SoFi Stadium workers reach tentative deal, avoid strike before US World Cup opener

Stadium workers near Los Angeles say they have reached a tentative contract deal, averting a strike ahead of the U.S. mens soccer teams opening World Cup match Friday.

The union announced the deal at a news conference Tuesday.

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The union representing 2,000 bartenders, servers, cooks and dishwashers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, voted last week to authorize a strike after contract talks had stalled with the stadiums food service provider, Legends Global.

Workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 11 said they were seeking pay increases, protections from subcontracting and security on the job amid ramped-up immigration enforcement under President Donald Trumps administration.

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The World Cup is expected to draw millions of fans to matches across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, over 39 days this summer.

Eight matches are scheduled for SoFi Stadium, starting with Fridays match between the U.S. and Paraguay.