Unionizing for a Better Future: Denver Stagehands Demand Improved Labor Conditions

In a bold move to combat low pay, staffing issues, and other poor labor conditions, workers at the Live Nation-owned Summit Music Hall and Marquis Theater in Denver have voted to join the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local #7. This decision marks a significant step towards greater worker protections and a more equitable work environment for the stage crew and production workers at these venues.

Empowering the Unsung Heroes of the Entertainment Industry

Seeking a Fair Shake

The workers at the Summit Music Hall and Marquis Theater have long faced challenging labor conditions, with low wages, limited benefits, and a lack of job security. As Max Peterson, the business representative for the Denver Theatrical Stage, Film & Exhibition Employees' Union, aptly stated, "These fearless workers are just looking for a fair shake while working for one of the largest corporations in the industry." The decision to unionize represents a bold step towards addressing these longstanding issues and securing a better future for the dedicated professionals who work behind the scenes.

Leveling the Playing Field

The move to join the IATSE Local #7 will provide the workers with greater protections and a collective bargaining agreement, which is a crucial step in ensuring their rights and interests are represented. As Hilliard Probasco, an IATSE organizer, noted, "Labor conditions for production workers in the rock and roll industry are insecure, benefits are virtually nonexistent, and wages are low in comparison to union jobs within the entertainment industry." By unionizing, these workers are taking a stand to change the status quo and secure the fair treatment they deserve.

Strengthening Denver's Entertainment Landscape

The unionization of the Summit Music Hall and Marquis Theater workers is not just a victory for the individuals involved, but also for the broader entertainment industry in Denver. By establishing a unionized workforce at these venues, the workers are setting a precedent that could inspire similar actions at other Live Nation-owned properties in the city. This, in turn, could lead to a more equitable and sustainable entertainment industry, benefiting both the workers and the local community.

Navigating the Challenges Ahead

The decision to unionize is not without its challenges, as the workers will now need to negotiate a contract with Live Nation, the parent company that owns the venues. However, the workers are optimistic about the future, with Peterson stating, "We look forward to sitting down with Live Nation to negotiate a contract that can provide safety, security and a better quality of life for these skilled and dedicated stagehands and technicians."

A Broader Shift in the Industry

The unionization of the Summit Music Hall and Marquis Theater workers is part of a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where workers are increasingly seeking to assert their rights and improve their working conditions. This movement is not limited to Denver, as similar efforts have been observed in other parts of the country, highlighting the growing desire for a more equitable and sustainable industry.As the workers at the Summit Music Hall and Marquis Theater embark on this new chapter, they are not only fighting for their own rights but also paving the way for a more just and inclusive entertainment industry. Their courage and determination serve as an inspiration to workers across the sector, and their success could have far-reaching implications for the future of the industry as a whole.