Audio By Carbonatix
A union representing about 2,000 food service workers at the Los Angeles Stadium has asked FIFA to keep United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) away from World Cup operations in the city and warned workers could strike if their concerns are not addressed.
Unite Here Local 11, which represents cooks, servers and bartenders at the Inglewood venue, said on Monday that the workers remain without a labour contract as the World Cup approaches.
The union laid out three main demands to FIFA and stadium owner Kroenke Sports & Entertainment: A public commitment that ICE and Border Patrol will play no role in the tournament, protections for union jobs and working conditions, and support for affordable housing for hospitality workers.
Acting director of ICE, Todd Lyons, has said ICE would play a “key part” in the World Cup, a prospect the union said threatened worker and guest safety in Los Angeles.
Local 11 said it also wanted assurances that artificial intelligence and automation would not be used during the tournament to eliminate union jobs.
The union linked its labour demands to broader concerns over housing costs in the Los Angeles area, particularly in Inglewood, and called for support for a workforce housing fund, restrictions on short-term rentals and tax measures aimed at funding affordable housing and immigrant family protections.
“FIFA and its corporate sponsors will pocket billions from Los Angeles while refusing to even acknowledge the cooks, servers, and stand attendants who make this event possible,” Kurt Petersen, co-president of Local 11, said in a statement.
The union said it had repeatedly sought meetings with FIFA since Los Angeles was chosen as a host city, but had been ignored.
The venue is known as SoFi Stadium but has been rebranded as the Los Angeles Stadium for the World Cup due to sponsor conflicts.
Los Angeles is set to host eight World Cup matches at the stadium, the first being the US against Paraguay on June 12.
Latest Stories
-
NDC leadership reshuffle secured 2024 election victory – Asiedua Nketiah
2 minutes -
Agbodza visits Adaklu-Helekpe mudslide victims, warns of more danger around mountain
6 minutes -
TTAG urge government’s urgent action on recruitment and postings
19 minutes -
World Vision Ghana brings joy to Wa West children with mass birthday celebration
34 minutes -
NAIMOS arrest one foreign national and 7 Ghanaians in anti-galamsey operation in Ashanti Region
34 minutes -
Health Ministry announces mop-up exercise for validation and posting of health professionals
35 minutes -
GoldBod wins community backing for responsible mining support program in Ashanti Region
35 minutes -
Xenophobic attack: Why announce evacuation without preparation? – Minority caucus questions gov’t
39 minutes -
Government failed Ghanaians in South Africa — Minority slams evacuation delay
52 minutes -
Heavy downpour leaves Kaneshie, other parts of Accra flooded
55 minutes -
Mahama’s STEM push aims to build curious, creative students – Haruna Iddrisu
1 hour -
Swimming stakeholders call for legitimate governance and constitutional elections in Ghana Swimming
1 hour -
Akatsi Police seize suspected cannabis consignment, driver escapes
1 hour -
EU investment in Ghana reaches $16bn – GIPC’s Boss
2 hours -
GPSCP II and TCDA partner to boost regulation and investment in tree crops sector
2 hours