Workers from First Avenue ‘s many Twin Cities venues have announced plans to picket the concert venue on Saturday, Sept. 28.
It has been nearly a year since First Avenue voluntarily recognized employees’ desire to unionize with Unite Here 17. However, the two sides have yet to agree on a contract.
The company has more than 200 service and event staff across its venues, which include the Palace Theatre, Turf Club, Fine Line, and Fitzgerald Theater, the union says.
“Workers believe First Avenue clubs are the best in the Cities, and First Avenue workers should be treated like the best,” the union said in an announcement. “They are calling on the company to settle a union contract with meaningful raises for non-tipped roles that will allow workers to afford the cost of living and seniority that respects their decades of work in the iconic venue.”
Unite Here 17 says “nearly all” non-tipped positions at the company’s venues earn minimum wage, $15.57 an hour, while other area venues offer higher wages. It specifically cites The Fillmore recently advertising that it offers $20 per hour.