The strike authorisation received the backing of 96 per cent of participating workers, empowering union leaders to call industrial action at any time if ongoing negotiations fail to produce an agreement.
The development comes just days before the stadium is due to host its first World Cup match on June 12.
UNITE HERE Local 11, the union representing about 2,000 food and beverage employees at the stadium, said talks with concessionaire Legends Global and FIFA have reached an impasse over several key issues, including wages and workplace protections.
The affected workers include cooks, bartenders, dishwashers and concession staff who provide services during major sporting events.
Despite the growing tension, both sides are expected to return to the negotiating table on Monday in an effort to resolve the dispute.
Beyond demands for improved pay, the union is also seeking assurances that agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will not be permitted to operate inside the stadium. Union leaders say many immigrant workers have expressed concerns about their safety amid ongoing federal immigration enforcement actions.
Workers have also voiced worries about FIFA’s accreditation requirements, which involve the submission of personal information. Some employees fear the data could potentially be accessed by immigration authorities.
“The FIFA World Cup will make massive profits, but we are fighting for basic respect and safety,” Cesar Zamora, a stadium bartender, said in a statement.
“We deserve better, and if we need to strike, I will strike.”
SoFi Stadium, which opened in 2020 and cost more than $5 billion to build, is regarded as the world’s most expensive sports venue and is scheduled to stage eight World Cup matches.
Kurt Petersen, co-president of the union, warned that services inside the stadium could be severely limited if an agreement is not reached before the tournament begins.
“If we have to strike, those $100,000 FIFA suites will be served bottled water and Doritos,” Petersen said.