Employees at World Cafe Live voted to unionize following a tumultuous month for workers who have alleged unfair labor practices by new management.<\/p>\n
A town hall is scheduled for Thursday night at the venue to discuss concerns related to treatment of employees and the nonprofit’s future.<\/p>\n
Unite HERE Local 274, which represents around 4,000 hospitality workers around the Philadelphia area, said 79% of World Cafe Live’s front-of-house and food and beverage staff members submitted a petition to the National Labor Relations Board to join the local chapter.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Forming a union is a necessary first step toward establishing fair working conditions,” Emilia Reynolds, bartender at World Cafe Live, said in a statement. “We’re very grateful for the outpouring of support we’ve received from musicians, concertgoers and community members. We’re committed to making sure our venue remains a beloved Philadelphia institution for years to come.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
The announcement Wednesday came just over a week after the venue’s production department joined the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 8 union, which was voluntarily recognized by World Cafe Live management<\/a>.<\/p>\n A representative with Unite HERE Local 274 said they have also asked management to voluntarily recognize the front-of-house union.\u00a0World Cafe Live did not respond to a request for comment.\u00a0<\/p>\n Workers reportedly began organizing shortly after Joseph Callahan was elected as CEO in April.\u00a0<\/p>\n During a June 11 performance<\/a> by folk singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega, World Cafe Live servers, bartenders, box office employees and production workers walked off the job, citing an “unacceptable level of hostility and mismanagement.”\u00a0<\/p>\n A demand letter<\/a> was sent to Callahan and other senior executives from staff members the same day, requesting full transparency, accurate and timely pay, job security and a deeper commitment to the community.\u00a0<\/p>\n In response to the protests, at least 10 employees were fired and a statement from the venue said it was considering submitting a formal complaint to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and federal authorities, as reported\u00a0by WHYY<\/a>.<\/p>\n Multiple employees ranging from management level to service staffers have recently resigned, citing a hostile work environment. Scheduled performers have had shows canceled in solidarity with the protesting workers.<\/p>\n