Kennedy Center Administrative Workers Reveal Unionization Push After Trump Overhaul

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As a passionate admirer, I’m expressing my support for the staffers at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts who are advocating for “freedom from political meddling in programming.” They’ve recently made their stance public, aiming to unionize after the administration of President Donald Trump implemented changes within this prestigious institution.

On Thursday, the team members unveiled their unionization initiative, disclosing that they are collaborating with the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). According to organizers, they submitted a petition on Thursday afternoon for an election at the National Labor Relations Board to kick-start the process.

The organizers aim to incorporate approximately 130 to 170 employees from various departments into the negotiating team. This includes staff members in programming, education, marketing, and development, as well as administrative personnel at the Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra. It’s reported that around 60% of these potential union members have already signed authorization cards.

The Kennedy Center United Arts Workers’ representative stated that they are advocating for clear and fair rules for hiring and dismissal, a reinstatement of ethical standards, independence from political influence during programming, protection of free speech, and the ability to discuss their employment terms,” according to a statement released by the group.

The group thinks that organizing a union will provide us with the necessary strength to achieve our objectives, and here’s why: Unionizing is an exceptional tool for gaining power at work and moving forward together. As Kennedy Center United Arts Workers, we will secure a strong position within a powerful local and national network of unionized workers who are advocating for workplace rights and fair treatment.

The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to the Kennedy Center for comment.

In February, the White House initiated a significant transformation of a 53-year-old establishment, with President Trump dismissing several board members from one of its centers and assuming the position as chair. Following this, Hamilton and Issa Rae withdrew from scheduled events, and an LGBTQ+ event was discreetly canceled.

As reported by the Kennedy Center United Arts Workers, the recent change in leadership has resulted in a reduction of 37 positions within the staff. The new leaders appointed, however, do not have conventional roles or backgrounds in the arts industry, being outsiders to it instead.

The team argues that since February, the private funding for the Center’s Social Impact Division has been ceased, and their national arts education programs are now at risk due to budget cuts.

The new leadership at the Kennedy Center has made it clear that they plan to eliminate crucial departments and restructure our artistic offerings, disregarding the preferences of those who support us financially, collaborate with us nationally, and attend our performances.

As a gamer putting on my labor organizer hat, I’d say: “There are nearly two dozen different guilds advocating for various worker groups at the Kennedy Center. Among them are the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), Actors’ Equity, the American Federation of Musicians, and UNITE Here – the union representing hospitality workers. Each one plays a crucial role in ensuring fair treatment for its members.

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2025-05-15 23:54