IATSE has filed unfair labor practice charges against the Kennedy Center after the layoff of two departments of workers ahead of the closure of the arts institution.
The union for theatrical stage employees says that the Kennedy Center is violating its union contract by laying off or terminating all workers in its Instant Charge and Group Sales and Subscription departments, effective April 27, rather than meeting its legal obligation to bargain over the impact of the temporary closure. Management also confirmed it will not replace the workers, according to IATSE.
“This is not a normal closure-related layoff,” said International IATSE 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.”
A spokesperson for the Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The charges were filed with the National Labor Relations Board.
The Kennedy Center, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, who has appointed himself chair, is scheduled to undergo a planned two-year closure starting July 4, 2026. Trump has said the closure is for necessary renovations, but the decision comes as artists have withdrawn from performing at the arts center due to its takeover by Trump. Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH), an ex-officio board member of the Kennedy Center, is seeking a court order to halt its closure, saying it was done illegally and without any of the review President Trump claims took place.
Per the Kennedy Center’s collective bargaining agreements, the center is charged with “maintaining employment where possible, providing protections during the closure, and restoring jobs when operations resume,” according to IATSE. Union representatives are further pointing to the fact that entire departments were eliminated seventy-one days before the temporary shutdown.
The Kennedy Center gave workers termination notices before bargaining over the effects of the closure and refused union demands to keep employees working while negotiations continued, according to IATSE.
Instant Charge employees handle phone ticket sales, assist patrons with online issues and answer questions about seating, accessibility, and performances. Group Sales and Subscription workers coordinate access for schools, families, and community groups.
“We will not allow an employer to ignore its contract and strip workers of their rights,” 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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