IATSE filed unfair labor practices charges against the Kennedy Center after two sections of staff were laid off before the arts institution closed.
The Theatrical Stage Employees Union says the Kennedy Center is violating its union contract by laying off or terminating all workers in its drop-shipping, group sales and subscriptions departments, effective April 27, instead of fulfilling its legal obligation to bargain over the impact of the temporary closure. Management also confirmed that it would not replace workers, according to IATSE. Twenty-five workers were affected.
IATSE International President Matthew D. said: Loeb: “This is not a normal shutdown-related layoff.” “The Kennedy Center appears to be using the temporary closure as a cover to permanently eliminate union jobs in violation of its contract and federal labor law.”
A Kennedy Center spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Charges were filed with the National Labor Relations Board.
The Kennedy Center, led by self-appointed President Donald Trump, 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 withdraw from performing at the arts center due to Trump’s takeover. Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), an ex-officio Kennedy Center board member, is seeking a court order to stop its closure, saying it was done illegally and without any review that President Trump claims occurred.
Under the Kennedy Center’s collective bargaining agreements, the center is tasked with “maintaining staffing where possible, providing protections during the shutdown, and restoring jobs when operations resume,” according to IATSE. Union representatives also point to the fact that entire departments were canceled seventy-one days before the temporary closure.
The Kennedy Center gave workers termination notices before bargaining over the effects of the shutdown and rejected union demands to keep employees on the job while negotiations continued, according to IATSE.
Instant Charge staff handles phone ticket sales, assists customers with online issues and answers questions about seating, accessibility and performances. Group Sales and Subscriptions staff coordinate ticket access for schools, families and community groups.
“We will not allow an employer to ignore his contract and strip workers of their rights,” Loeb said. “IATSE is prepared to exhaust every avenue available to protect our members, defend their jobs, and hold the Kennedy Center accountable.”
