Workers At Anthem Concert Venue Work To Unionize

Music

Oct 22

Anthem interior — Image Source: Metro Weekly

Throughout Washington, DC, workers at various venues are coming together to unionize. This includes the Anthem, one of the largest concert venues in DC. Other venues included in the unionization efforts include The 9:30 Club, The Atlantis, and The Lincoln Theater. On Monday, these workers petitioned I.M.P., a local promotion of Independent concert venues, to recognize the unionization efforts and to recognize the union as the employees' collective bargaining representative, when and if the majority of employers sign the bargaining deal. This drive for unionization comes after a general push for higher wages and a greater desire for safety.

Many employees have spoken about their efforts. Door staffer Hunter Spears stated, “I love working here, but we just want better support from our employer. I’ve taken boots to the face. I’ve been thrown up on. I’ve hurt my wrist catching crowd surfers.” Stagehand and audio engineer Lee Reber added, “We work at an internationally renowned venue, and we deserve to be treated like we work at an internationally renowned venue. I don’t feel like we are treated with dignity.” Further details about this event will be forthcoming.

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