SoFi Stadium Workers: A Case Study in Identifying Member Priorities and Maximizing Leverage

Episode 5

A week before the World Cup arrived at SoFi Stadium, roughly 2,000 bartenders, servers, cooks, and dishwashers represented by UNITE HERE Local 11 voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. Days later, they won a new contract: raises of up to 30 percent, stronger workplace protections, and a unique provision giving workers the right to strike if ICE or Border Patrol activity at the stadium poses a threat to their safety. And perhaps most importantly, the contract will expire on April 30, 2028, aligning with over 100 other stadium, hotel, and airport concessions contracts that expire before the 2028 Olympics, which will be held in Los Angeles.

Host Harry Marino talks with Local 11 Co-President Kurt Petersen about how the union identified the World Cup as a moment of maximum leverage and secured top priorities for membership. Get a behind-the-scenes look into a masterclass in labor negotiating.

Listen on:
YouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify