IATSE Local 500 in South Florida, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, has called an unfair labor practice strike in response to ongoing and recent unfair labor practices committed by The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
For more than 12 years, the Kravis Center has been in continuous, persistent controversy over allegations of violations of federal labor law. According to workers, beginning in September 2000, the Kravis Center unlawfully fired stage hands and committed massive unfair labor practices. In 2002, the Kravis Center was found guilty of allegations by a federal administrative law judge. In 2007, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled in favor of workers. In 2008, a federal appellate court upheld previous rulings. Damages are in the millions of dollars.
The Kravis Center has committed unfair labor practices in 2010 and 2012, which will go to trial next year. It is estimated that the Kravis Center has spent additional millions in attorneys’ fees and costs, implementing and maintaining more than twelve years of unlawful conduct.
Orlando’s local IATSE L-631 has requested community leaders, activists and labor supporters to consider signing a petition in support of the South Florida Stagehand local.
