Seattle theaters joined in the “We Are One” national day of action April 4 by putting up signs honoring their relationship with unions.
“This says loud and clear that Seattle is still a union town,” said Andrew Willhelm, president of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 15. “Just as in Wisconsin, the public supports labor. We’re doing all we can to make sure that corporate interests don’t hijack our government, the way they have in Wisconsin.”
More than 1,000 cities nationwide held rallies and marches April 4 in a show of solidarity with workers under attack across the nation. In Portland, some 750 people rallied at Director Park downtown.
In addition to the signage, the 24 theatrical, sound and stagecraft employers who have contracts with IATSE Local 15 issued a statement that read in part: “We are proud to be a union employer. We are committed to bargain fairly and in good faith with our employees, and to maintaining our history of respect for, and cooperation with, the labor community.”
Participating theaters with signage included 5th Avenue; A Contemporary Theatre/ACT; Intiman Theatre; Seattle Children’s Theatre; Seattle Repertory Theatre; and the Paramount Theatre.
