Copyright Deadline
EXCLUSIVE: Workers at some of the most renown music venues in Washington, D.C., have won their unionization efforts. Independent Concert Promotion notified its 300+ staffers at the 9:30 Club, The Anthem, The Atlantis and Lincoln Theatre Wednesday that the company would voluntarily recognize the employees’ desire to form a union with Unite Here Local 25, Deadline understands. Now, they will move to negotiate their first union contract with IMP. In a memo to staff on Thursday, IMP COO Donna Westmoreland wrote that management understands it is “essential for us to collectively strengthen our workplace, improve communication, and chart a sustainable future.” “While we know working with a union will fundamentally change our relationship with our bartenders, service and event staff, we understand that a majority of U Street venue employees have expressed their desire for union representation,” she wrote. “As such, we have agreed to voluntarily recognize Local 25 and will bargain in good faith to reach a contract.” Read the full note to staffers below. Workers at IMP venues in D.C. first petitioned the company last month. The unionization push emerged to address what they feel is a widening gap between the venues’ management and their employees. The bargaining unit will include workers across production, food service, box office and door staff at all four venues. While the unit is primarily represented by Unite Here Local 25, the grassroots effort was also assisted by IATSE Locals 22 and 868. 9:30 Club opened in 1980 and, since then, has become quite a legendary venue. Known for its track record of discovering up-and-coming acts, just a few of the bands that have played there include Nirvana, R.E.M., Foo Fighters and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The Lincoln Theatre has been around even longer, first opening its doors in 1922. The venue was a haven for the African American community when the city was still segregated and became well known for booking jazz and big band performers. Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday are just a few of the many artists who have graced the stage at the Lincoln Theatre. The Anthem and The Atlantis are much newer, having opened in 2017 and 2023, respectively. Still, they have become well-loved venues in the city, hosting artists from Meek Mill and Lorde to Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Darius Rucker. Here is the full note to IMP staff from Westmoreland: Dear I.M.P. Staff members – I started as the bar manager at the original 9:30 Club on F street and since then have held just about every job possible here. A lot has changed over those years, but one of the constants is that we have always been a place for creatives, for music lovers, for musicians, and for people seeking community through music. It’s why we have opposed the consolidation and anticompetitive practices that hurt fans. It’s why we stood up for our employees during the pandemic with the Family Fund to do our part to help and fought to pass things like the “Save Our Stages Act,” to make sure community-oriented, locally-owned and independently operated venues continue to exist. We’ve also always had an incredible team of people, from our booking office to the security team to our hospitality and bar staff. Everyone plays an invaluable role in welcoming our guests on stage and in front of it, creating an amazing experience for them all. We recognize this and it’s why we have offered competitive pay and benefits, while ensuring we can continue to bring in quality acts. We have met with UNITE HERE Local 25 and have reiterated our record as an employer, and our commitment to each of you. While we know working with a union will fundamentally change our relationship with our bartenders, service and event staff, we understand that a majority of U Street venue employees have expressed their desire for union representation. As such, we have agreed to voluntarily recognize Local 25 and will bargain in good faith to reach a contract. As you know, our city and our industry continue to navigate challenges and an uncertain economic environment. As such it is essential for us to collectively strengthen our workplace, improve communication, and chart a sustainable future. We will continue to work together to create the best possible future for our I.M.P. family and our community. Best, Donna
