Overview
- IATSE filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board after the Kennedy Center cut two customer-facing departments tied to ticketing and group access.
- During bargaining, management confirmed it had laid off all Instant Charge and Group Sales & Subscription workers effective April 27 and said the work will not be replaced.
- The union says the center issued termination notices before bargaining over closure effects and rejected proposals to keep employees working during talks.
- IATSE estimates roughly two dozen people lost jobs that handle phone sales, patron help, and school and community group access, which could leave callers and educators without direct support.
- The dispute unfolds as the institution prepares a two-year closure for renovations starting July 4, 2026, a plan already facing lawsuits and political pushback.