SoFi Stadium ratifies contract, averts World Cup strike

Approximately 2,000 food and beverage workers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, have ratified a new labor contract, averting a threatened strike just days before the venue hosts its first FIFA World Cup match. The workers, represented by Unite Here Local 11, voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to approve the agreement with stadium food service operator Legends Global.

The deal was reached after union members voted 96 percent last week to authorize a strike, increasing pressure on management as the stadium prepared for the international tournament. The contract includes significant wage increases, with many concession workers expected to earn more than $40 per hour, a rate the union describes as the highest for such workers in any NFL stadium. Nontipped workers will see raises of $9 per hour, and the agreement provides premium pay for major events and contributions to a housing assistance fund.

A central and unprecedented provision of the contract preserves workers' right to strike during the World Cup if the union determines in good faith that federal immigration enforcement activity near the stadium threatens their safety. Union officials said this clause is a direct...