First Avenue Workers Ratify Their First Union Contract

After 15 months of negotiating, the 230 workers at the 7 Tein Cities music venues owned by First Avenue Productions announced in February that they finally have a contract. Workers cited raises, more predictable scheduling, and protections for LGBTQ+ workers as some of the key elements of the contract.

The seeds for this victory were planted more than four years ago through the Confluence-supported partnership between Restaurant Opportunities Center of Minnesota and Unite Here Local 17. Workers who originally learned about their rights and developed their leadership through ROC MN went on to play key roles in the union organizing drive and contract negotiations that followed.

Sheigh Freeberg, Secretary Treasurer of Locsl 17, used the contract announcement as a call to action: “For all venue workers in the Twin Cities, now is the time for you to unionize your workplace. First Ave. workers won more for themselves, and you can too.”

Press coverage:

Minnesota Public Radio: First Avenue Workers RAtify First Union Contract

CBS News: Workers at First Avenue, its 6 Sister Clubs, Ratify First Union Contract

Bring Me the News: First Avenue Workers Ratify First Contract 15 Months After Unionizing