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NEWS

PRESS INQUIRIES

For Press Inquiries:
Maria Hernandez, Communications
(623) 340-8047 (mobile)
mhernandez {at} unitehere11 {dot} org

For Arizona Press Inquiries:
Victoria Stahl, Communications
(623) 329-1662 (mobile)
vstahl {at} unitehere11 {dot} org

Solidarity with the striking workers of locals 8, 26, and 274

Solidarity with our union sisters and brothers who went on strike June 22 at the Embassy Suites Seattle Downtown and the Sheraton Downtown Philadelphia, two FIFA World Cup cities where workers are fighting for dignity, fair wages, and to keep ICE out. Stay strong comrades, and hold the line!

On June 25 at 3:00 a.m., concession workers at Rhode Island’s T. F. Green International Airport went on strike. People from all over the world are traveling to Providence for the World Cup. But before watching the soccer matches, they are encountering picket lines at the airport of workers fighting for a better life. We stand with you, strikers! Sí se puede!

We are keeping an eye on th Areas concession workers at Boston Logan International Airport who have authorized a strike and are on strike alert!

CAPITAL & MAIN: Did Los Angeles City Hall Blink by Delaying the Olympic Wage?

In the end, Elisa Valencia, who works for Flying Food Group, was left wondering what exactly happened to her vision for the future. She said she has been putting in serious overtime, sometimes working 13-hour days at the airline food company in order to keep up with the rising cost of living in Los Angeles.
Her wage is going to rise from $22.50 to $25 an hour this summer, a welcome first step toward some relief. But Valencia said knowing that the $30 figure was only two years off had made the thought of logging so many hours tolerable.
Now? “Four years away,” Valencia said. The idea of getting into an apartment large enough for her kids, she added, is once again on the back burner, lost to the larger struggle to keep life going in L.A

 

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.

NY TIMES: SoFi Stadium workers given "Kick ICE Out" button by union ahead of World Cup

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 O

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.”