The National Council of Actors’ Equity Association (Equity) has voted unanimously to authorize a strike for
workers at The Second City in Chicago.
Equity represents performers in the improvisational comedy enterprise’s award-winning sketch shows. With alumni like Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi, Aidy Bryant and other famous names, it has become a widely influential troupe over its decades of operation. The Second City was bought out by private equity firm ZMC in 2021. Members have been in negotiations with management since late February and have been working under an expired contract since April 13.
“The key issue here is wages,” said Andrea Hoeschen, assistant executive director of the Central Region and general counsel for Equity. “These workers have come to the bargaining table in good faith and [are] willing to make a lot of compromises, but there are no compromises available to them when it comes to the cost of groceries, utilities and rent….We are still hopeful that the private equity firm that owns The Second City recognizes the importance of investing in these arts workers and this historic institution, but we will strike if necessary.”
AFL-CIO Daily Brief