As a long-time gamer who’s always been fascinated by the intersection of reality and entertainment, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia reading about Casa Bonita and its unionization efforts. Growing up, “South Park” was a staple in my household, and the sight of that iconic pink façade instantly transports me back to the days when I’d huddle around the TV with my family, laughing at the antics of Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny.
Workers at the Casa Bonita immersive eatery, which is managed by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, are considering forming a union with Actors’ Equity and IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees).
Located in Lakewood, Colorado (a suburb of Denver), the restaurant has just reopened following its acquisition out of bankruptcy by Parker and Stone. This unique eatery offers an immersive dining experience with performers such as cliff divers, actors, puppeteers, magicians, and many more adding to the entertainment. Behind the scenes, a dedicated crew ensures smooth operation.
As a passionate supporter of these hardworking individuals, I’m sharing their story because they’ve taken a significant step towards unionization. Their primary concerns revolve around work safety, inadequate training, and a desire for improved communication with management, fair compensation, and enhanced benefits. Despite their request for voluntary recognition, it was not granted. Now, they are taking the next logical step by filing for an election with the National Labor Relations Board.
Approximately 60 artists, split between wet and dry entertainers, along with around 20 behind-the-scenes workers, are seeking union representation from IATSE.
Casa Bonita initially opened its doors back in 1974 and has since gained fame for its impressive size, encompassing approximately 52,000 square feet, and accommodating over a thousand guests. It’s not just about the seating, though; the place is adorned with unique decorations and offers numerous attractions. For instance, it boasts a striking pink exterior and an impressive 30-foot waterfall, complete with cliff divers and live entertainment inside. In the year 2003, an episode of the animated series South Park was even set within its walls.
Parker and Stone bought the struggling restaurant during the pandemic, spending $40 million on its renovation as shown in the 2024 documentary titled “¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!“. After a preliminary opening, the public was welcomed back to the fully operational restaurant in September 2024. The staff were rehired shortly after the renovation and had been rehearsing for the soft launch which took place at the end of June.
The desire to enhance safety sparked discussions about unionizing among the diving team, according to Bethel Lindsley, their team lead. This decision came after several incidents involving potentially hazardous carbon monoxide levels in a storage area and a case where a diver developed hypothermia due to prolonged exposure while using a poorly designed dive kit. These issues were ultimately addressed when the divers refused to work under those conditions. Additionally, there were concerns about the divers being wet for extended periods of up to 4-6 hours at a time. Subsequently, changes were implemented in response to these safety concerns.
On a Sunday, Lindsley reported that two scuba divers had collided underwater, resulting in one sustaining a severe concussion and being rushed to the hospital. Despite this, Lindsley has been advocating for safety measures within the management, some of which have been adopted following resistance. However, she continues to advocate for these safety guidelines to be officially included in a contractual agreement.
Lindsley stated that her team prioritizes both work and safety, ensuring everyone is well-trained and aware of policies in case of emergencies. Fortunately, they’ve had only one incident so far, but given the potential risks, the level of response and training should match accordingly.
A representative for Casa Bonita did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Lindsley mentioned that besides seeking enhanced compensation and advantages, the workers are also aiming for improved communication with their superiors. She pointed out that while the divers earn more than the local minimum wage, it doesn’t equate to a comfortable living wage. Unfortunately, these divers cannot accept tips or share in the tipping pool, unlike service industry employees.
In a letter addressed to Parker and Stone, the Casa Bonita entertainment team expressed their heartfelt appreciation for transforming the venue into a globally recognized destination. They acknowledged the sacrifices made by the team to achieve this status. Comparable to Broadway, they believe that unions representing Broadway workers onstage and off can assist in maintaining our top-notch performances for future generations. This is based on the repeated sentiments expressed in the ¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor! documentary.
In our opinion, a robust union agreement could assist us in addressing several issues related to safety, scheduling, pay, and communication that we’ve faced. Such an agreement would establish clear standards for both parties and provide means to uphold these standards, thereby bolstering Casa Bonita and enabling us to offer our guests an optimal experience.
More to come.
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2024-10-16 23:54