The recent layoffs at Alamo Drafthouse have caused turmoil within the union representing employees at two locations in New York, leading to a formal complaint filed with the National Labor Relations Board.
The theater chain, known for its unique in-theater dining experience, strict cellphone policy, and curated programming for cinephiles, is facing allegations of unfair labor practices by the United Auto Workers Local 2179. The union, which represents workers at the lower Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn locations, claims that the theaters failed to negotiate in good faith regarding staff reductions and requests for information.
According to UAW Local 2179’s second vice president, Will Bobrowski, the parties were in the process of negotiating their first union contract when discussions about potential layoffs began. However, management declared an impasse in bargaining over the layoffs issue, leading to the sudden termination of 40 staffers from the downtown Brooklyn location and 30 from the lower Manhattan location on Monday.
This is the first time the union has taken such action against the company, despite previous organizing efforts and successful union votes in 2023. The union has taken a firm stance against the layoffs, with promises to fight against corporate greed until victory is achieved.
Alamo Drafthouse has refrained from commenting on the situation, but sources close to the company have expressed a commitment to negotiating in good faith to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. The recent staff cuts in New York are part of a larger company-wide restructuring affecting both corporate and consumer-facing roles.
Despite filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2021, Alamo Drafthouse’s future looked promising following Sony’s acquisition of the company in 2024. This marked a significant shift in the industry, as major studios purchasing movie theaters had been prohibited until recently.
The union and management have been engaged in ongoing discussions covering various issues such as wages, scheduling, and workplace safety. Negotiations have been led by Ogletree Deakins’ Matthew Kelley for Alamo Drafthouse and Eisner Dictor & Lamadrid’s Thomas Lamadrid on behalf of the union.
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