The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is condemning management of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, alleging the Kennedy Center is violating its union contract and laying off workers without meeting its legal obligation to bargain over the impact of a temporary closure.
During bargaining last week, the Kennedy Center confirmed it has laid off or terminated all workers in its Instant Charge and Group Sales and Subscription departments, effective April 27, more than two months before the temporary closure begins. Management also confirmed it will not replace the work.
“This is not a normal closure-related layoff,” said International President Matthew D. Loeb. “The Kennedy Center appears to be using a temporary closure as cover to permanently eliminate union jobs in violation of its contract and federal labor law.”
IATSE has filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board over the Kennedy Center’s actions. “We will not allow an employer to ignore its contract and strip workers of their rights,” President Loeb said. “IATSE is prepared to exhaust every available avenue to protect our members, defend their jobs, and hold the Kennedy Center accountable.”
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