Workers at two New York City Alamo Drafthouse cinemas ended a 58-day strike after the Sony-owned chain agreed to terms including rehiring employees who were laid off in February, said the group’s union NYC Alamo United, which is affiliated with the UAW.
An overwhelming majority of workers ratified a tentative offer from Alamo said to guarantee workers will be rehired with previously earned paid time off and sick days restored along with original seniority and hire date.
“We will be returning to work officially on April 18 but feel free to start patronizing the Alamos in BK & Manhattan,” the group said, referring to Alamo Drafthouses in Brooklyn and lower Manhattan where workers, who are part of UAW local 2179, have been picketing since the chain laid of 70 in early February.
People close to Alamo had noted then that it’s common practice to trim staff in a post-holiday lull at the box office. Union organizers, however, said it’s more typical to cut hours during slow periods, not trigger widespread layoffs.
The UAW local had filed an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB against Alamo and Sony Pictures Entertainment – which acquired the circuit last summer — citing “refusal to respond to information requests and alleging bad faith bargaining. After abruptly declaring an impasse, Alamo announced it was laying off 70 workers instead of negotiating with the union over a reduction of hours.”
“Thank you to everyone who supported – all who donated, all who shared, all who showed up, all who boycotted,” said NYC Alamo United on X.
The group said in a statement: “After 58 days on strike, the workers of NYC Alamo United voted overwhelmingly to ratify an agreement with Sony-owned Alamo Drafthouse that will reinstate the jobs of the laid-off employees, ending the strike and boycott. The agreement guarantees rehire of all laid-off workers from the Downtown Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan locations no later than May Day. Employees who accept Alamo’s offer to return will keep their original hire date, seniority, rate of pay, hard-earned paid time-off, and sick leave.
“On February 3rd, citing pessimistic projections for Q1, Alamo Drafthouse unilaterally laid off 70 workers across both locations. In response, the workers began the strike by walking out on Valentine’s Day. During the strike, the union picketed at both venues, Sony’s New York corporate offices, Alamo CEO Michael Kustermann’s home in Connecticut, and marched on Wall Street.
“In the wake of this victory, NYC Alamo United, part of UAW Local 2179, remains committed to winning a fair contract with the company to ensure better working conditions and protections for its members. Striking workers expect to be scheduled for shifts beginning Friday. The best way for the public to support the workers at this time is to come see a movie and tip generously.”