Khaberni - As the World Cup approaches, FIFA finds itself facing a new crisis, represented by a threat of a strike by thousands of workers at the "Sovi" stadium in Los Angeles, which will host the opening match for the U.S. team during the tournament.
The stadium, which has a capacity of 70,000 spectators and is home to the Los Angeles Chargers and Rams in the American Football league, is scheduled to host eight World Cup matches, including five in the group stage, two in the last 32 rounds, and a quarterfinal match.
Mauricio Pochettino's team will play two out of three group stage matches on this ground against Paraguay and Turkey.
Labor crisis and the threat of strike
The strike threat comes from the Unite Here Local 11 union, which represents about 2,000 stadium workers, from cooks and waitstaff to bartenders, expressing major concerns about the potential presence of U.S. immigration authorities in the vicinity of the stadiums during the tournament. Furthermore, the previous work agreement with the operating company has expired without reaching a new agreement despite extensive negotiation rounds.
The union has presented a series of demands to FIFA and the stadium owners, including reducing reliance on external contractors, preventing the use of artificial intelligence technologies that could threaten jobs, and allocating a portion of the tournament's profits to support affordable housing in Los Angeles.
It also demanded a halt to short-term rentals through "Airbnb," arguing that it contributes to exacerbating the housing crisis.
Meanwhile, the co-president of the union, Kurt Petersen, in statements relayed by the "New York Times," stated that the strike option is very real in light of the current contract's expiration, noting that most workers suffer from living difficulties and are forced to work two jobs. He said: "These are the backbone of the industry that will make FIFA earn huge profits, yet their demands are ignored."
He added that major tournaments like the World Cup often do not benefit workers, but leave them in worse situations after they are over. He also emphasized the union's rejection of any role for immigration authorities during the tournament, considering their presence raises fear among workers and even fans.
On the other hand, the union has raised concerns about sharing personal data of workers with security agencies, under accreditation terms, and criticized FIFA for delays in clarifying partnerships with hospitality companies.
With less than two months to go until the tournament begins, negotiations continue with little notable progress. The union affirms that it might move towards escalation, starting with pressure campaigns leading to voting on a strike, which could threaten the start of the World Cup in the United States under the world's watchful eyes.
