LA PRIDE
It was an honor for local 11 members and staff to march in this year’s LA Pride parade along with and all our allied unions, community groups, faith groups, queer groups, —and even our public utilities companies!
ACTION: Fast Profits, Furious Workers at Universal Studios
NBCUniversal is raking in the profits. In 2024, its theme parks division alone made $2.9 billion, enough to pay one of its parent company’s CEOs $33.9 million.
But the workers who make the Universal Studios theme park run are struggling to stay housed. And instead of recognizing our hard work, the company has proposed to one of our unions what will amount to a pay cut.
NYT — The Athletic: SoFi Stadium workers given ‘Kick ICE Out’ buttons by union ahead of USMNT-Paraguay
“These workers are hospitality professionals. Their job is to welcome guests and provide world-class service to every fan who walks through the gates. But it’s hard to create a welcoming environment when workers and their communities are living in fear. They’re wearing this button because they want a World Cup that’s safe and welcoming for everyone at SoFi.
“No employer, no stadium operator, and not even FIFA gets to take away workers’ voices when it comes to the safety of their families and communities. And from what we’re hearing, fans love the message too. Some are even asking for the buttons.”
Mother Jones: The World Cup’s First Score: Union 1, Owners 0
In a 99-1 vote Wednesday night, food and beverage workers staffing Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium for the FIFA Men’s World Cup ratified an agreement that includes better wages and protections around immigration enforcement—a high-profile labor victory after months of dispute over poor pay and work without a contract amid huge employer revenues.
SOFI STADIUM WORKERS RATIFY HISTORIC CONTRACT!
“This contract proves what workers can accomplish when we stand together,” said Susana Lahargue, a Stand Lead at SoFi Stadium. “We fought for fair wages, stronger job protections, and the right to protect ourselves and our families. As the world comes to Los Angeles for the World Cup, we are proud to welcome fans knowing that workers have secured a contract that respects our work and our dignity.”
Los Angeles Magazine: SoFi Stadium Workers Narrowly Avert Potential Strike Ahead of the World Cup
In an era where the Trump administration has launched the largest-ever effort to denaturalize U.S. citizens, giving out such sensitive information feels incredibly risky at a time like this, even though FIFA has claimed they needed the information as part of its background-check procedure.
“Workers have the contractual right to walk off the job if the union determines in good faith that federal immigration enforcement threatens worker safety during a World Cup match,” Local 11 posted on its social media accounts, following the back and forth between the two parties.
ESPN: SoFi Stadium workers’ union reaches deal to avoid strike during World Cup
“These workers are heroes. They stood up to FIFA. They stood up to ICE. They won a historic contract, and they are ready for whatever comes during the World Cup. If federal immigration agencies threaten workers’ safety, our members have the right to walk off the job. That is now in their contract,” (Local 11 co-president Kurt) Petersen told reporters.
LA TIMES: SoFi Stadium workers union announces labor deal, averting strike during World Cup
“We got major economic gains and significant protections around subcontracting automation,” Kurt Petersen, the union’s co-president, said. “I don’t know the soccer analogy, but it’s a grand slam of a contract.”
THE GUARDIAN: LA-area stadium workers to vote on strike a week before World Cup begins
“We know they’re going to make a lot of money during these events,” Yolanda Fierro, a suite runner and union member who voted to authorize the strike, told the Guardian. “So what we want is a thank-you – gratitude from the company, giving us a good, equitable contract for increasing our wages, so we can survive out here in California because it’s very expensive here in this state.”
SEVEN DAYS IN JUNE
Local 11 Co-President Susan Minato spoke at the LA action of the “Seven Days in June” to draw attention to the devastating cuts to healthcare funding that will come into effect after the midterm elections.
The week of coordinated actions across the US and Canada was organized by a coalition of unions and community organizations including UNITE HERE International Union and Cleve Jones, a longtime advocate for healthcare for the LGBTQ community.
The LA event where our Co-President Susan Minato spoke was hosted by Richard Zaldivar of the Wall Las Memorias. For more information about the the Seven Days in June campaign visit the website sevendaysinjune.org.