The Philadelphia Orchestra and Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, photographed at the Kimmel Center on Friday, Dec. 3, 2015, in Philadelphia. ( Photo by Jessica Griffin )..2015 12 03 Yannick 052jessicagriffin..The Philadelphia Orchestra and Conductor Yannick Nezet-Seguin, photographed at the Kimmel Center on Friday, Dec. 3, 2015, in Philadelphia. ( Photo by Jessica Griffin )
Kimmel Center ushers voted to authorize their union leadership to call a strike after working without a contract for more than six months, according to a statement issued by their union on Sunday.
Members of IATSE Local B29, which includes the ushers at all Kimmel Center venues, including the Academy of Music, Miller Theater, Perelman Theater and Marian Anderson Hall, voted down the latest contract offer from the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts (POEA), which was presented to them on December 30.
The statement added that the strike was authorized to begin as soon as Wednesday, citing frustration with not receiving a fair offer from POEA in the time since their last contract expired June 30, 2024.
“Front-of-house workers are vital to the success of every performance. Ushers are the first faces audiences see when they enter the venue, setting the tone for the entire experience. They deserve a contract that respects their contributions, meets their stated priorities, and ensures Ushers’ service and professionalism are sustainable for individuals within the craft,” said IATSE International President Matthew Loeb, in the statement.
At issue, as far as the union is concerned are three key points:
• Adequate Wages & Benefit Contributions
• Addressing Unclear Contract Language
• Union Jurisdiction
The ushers also want to work other events at Kimmel Center - like weddings - and want to work Philadelphia Orchestra events outside of the Kimmel campus. They are also looking for overtime pay on Sundays as well as meals to be provided for ushers who work double shifts.
“The only path to a resolution is through continued negotiations at the bargaining table—not through one-sided appeals from management," said Richard Montgomery, President of IATSE Local B29. "Ensemble Arts was able to negotiate to productive and fair outcomes for their workers in other crafts. Whether we are in front of or behind the curtain we deserve the same respect.”
The union also took issue with POEA distributing their new contract proposal directly to members of the union and not through union leadership. The local still had more than 90% of their membership reject the proposal.
"The Ensemble Arts Philly ushers play a vital role as the public face of our venues and stand out as one of the few non-volunteer performing arts center usher corps in the country," POEA management said in a statement sent to Philly Daily. "After six months of good faith negotiations, we are disappointed in the decision by IATSE Local B29 to authorize a strike. Our current five-year proposal includes a 19.5% wage increase plus additional vacation time, keeping them among the most generously compensated ushers nationwide. We will continue to work together to reach an agreement that recognizes the contributions and dedication of the ushers within the financial realities of our nonprofit arts organization."
Upcoming events at these venues include the opening of MJ the Musical at the Academy of Music beginning Wednesday, a series of Philadelphia Orchestra concerts at Marian Anderson Hall beginning Thursday, actor Josh Gad's comedy and book tour at the Perelman Theater on Jan. 15, and author Rebecca Yarros at the Miller Theater on Jan. 25.
