As a long-time fan and admirer of Casa Bonita, I couldn’t be more thrilled to see the employees taking a stand for their rights and wellbeing. Having grown up with Casa Bonita as a beloved landmark, I can only imagine the dedication and passion these workers put into making each visit magical for customers like me. It’s heartening to see them come together in solidarity, advocating for safety, fair pay, and better communication – issues that are crucial not just for Casa Bonita, but for any workplace.
Onstage and backstage workers at the Casa Bonita immersive restaurant, owned by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, have voted unanimously to unionize with Actors’ Equity Association and IATSE Local 7, it was announced Friday.
“Today, we are proud that we stood as a group and said clearly: We want to make Casa Bonita better,” the workers leading the unionization effort said in a statement. “We love Casa Bonita, and already give our all to providing our guests with an unforgettable experience. When it is a safer, fairer place to work, we will be able to better focus on doing our jobs knowing we are protected, respected and valued. We knew that the best way to make that happen was as unionized workers, and this landslide vote confirms that we will. We are eager to take our place at the bargaining table soon.”
Located in Lakewood, Colorado, the renowned eatery has resumed operations following its acquisition from bankruptcy by the duo, Parker and Stone. This unique restaurant offers an immersive dining experience with performers such as cliff divers, actors, puppeteers, magicians, and many more, all backed by a dedicated team of staff members.
The employees were aiming to form a union as they had several issues, such as workplace safety, inadequate training, fair compensation, enhanced benefits, and improved dialogue between colleagues and supervisors.
Max Peterson, Business Agent of IATSE Local 7, expressed his profound gratitude and excitement towards the outstanding Casa Bonita crew. He added that the recent election period has been a breathtaking display of unity, which was further solidified by their collaboration with Actors’ Equity Association. The election outcome underscores the crew’s readiness to unite for a better future, achieved through collective bargaining to ensure safety, stability, and lasting enhancements in their workplace. Peterson is eager to support and work alongside them as they prepare for and embark on negotiations.
Stefanie Frey, Director of Organizing and Mobilization for Actors’ Equity Association, expressed in a statement that the workers demonstrated today their unwavering support for a stronger and safer Casa Bonita. Their determination and bravery led us swiftly to an election, and it is this passion that will drive us through negotiations. We are thankful for our collaboration with IATSE in increasing the number of Casa Bonita workers who are unionized, and their solidarity will result in a stronger collective bargaining agreement in the future. Now onto negotiations!
Casa Bonita initially opened its doors in 1974, but later changed hands when Summit Family Restaurants, its original owner, faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy. The business was subsequently acquired by Parker and Stone. After undergoing a significant $40 million facelift, the renovation process was chronicled in the 2024 documentary titled “¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!“. A 2003 episode of “South Park” was also set within this restaurant.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-11-23 07:54