What's the current situation?

In March of 2021 the workers in the Event Production department at the Walker Art Center came together and chose to form a Union represented by IATSE Local 13.  The Walker Art Center chose to voluntarily recognize the Union.  The Event Production workers began preparing for contract negotiations and started meeting with management in November of 2021.

Since then, the workers’ union and management have reached agreement on most issues.  We are close to an agreement that works for both sides.

Where we are stuck, and where we need your help, is in ensuring that the work of the Event Production department will continue to be done by workers in that department. From the beginning it has been important to both sides that we protect the flexible way the Walker works to support the varied work that happens at the Walker. However, the union has asked for some basic protections to ensure that Event Production work won’t be outsourced to unpaid volunteers or underpaid subcontractors.  The team bargaining on behalf of the Walker has been insistent that they must have the ability to replace Overhire employees with volunteers or subcontractors.  We asked the management team flatly if their proposal would allow the Walker to replace all Overhire employees with volunteers. Amazingly their attorney said yes it would.

While the Walker’s bargaining team continues to demand they be able to replace Event Production workers, those workers wage increases have been delayed.  Event Production workers haven’t had a raise since 2019.

How can I help?

We’re asking for your help to remind the leadership at the Walker Art Center that arts work is real work.  We’re asking you to let the leadership know that workers in the Event Production department deserve a minimum assurance that when there is Event Production work to be done that it will be done by workers who are being fairly compensated.

Enter your information on this page to sign the petition.  We hope that your voice will help get this contract over the finish line.

What is an Event Production Worker?

The Event Production department is made up of both full-time employees and overhire employees.  Workers in the Event Production department prepare and operate all of the technical equipment during events at the Walker.  This includes things like the lights, sound, costumes, props, and scenery.  They work with other Walker departments to ensure safe and positive experiences for both artists and audiences.

What's an Overhire?

Overhire employees are part-time or temporary employees who work for many different employers.  In the live events industry the number of workers any one employer needs varies widely from day to day.  This means that overhire workers move from venue to venue and employer to employer weekly, daily, and sometimes even hourly.  Most overhire employees earn a full-time living but do it across many employers.  Working in the live events industry isn’t a hobby for them, it’s a lifelong career.