Kennedy Center Unions Demand Transparency and Worker Protections in the Event of a Temporary Shutdown

The surprise news that The Kennedy Center would shut down for a two-year renovation has left its unionized staff blindsided. As the paper reports, "The abrupt announcement by President Trump that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts would close this summer for a two-year construction project plunged the Washington cultural institution into uncertainty Monday, raising questions about where its orchestra would play and what would happen to its subscribers and its hundreds of employees."

In response, Kennedy Center Arts Workers United -- consisting of Actors' Equity Association (Equity), American Federation of Musicians (AFM), American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) -- issued the following joint statement:

"At this time, no formal notice or briefing has been provided to the unions of arts workers whose labor sustains the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. We only know of public statements issued by President Trump and an internal message to some Kennedy Center employees that reiterated the President's social media remarks.

"A pause in Kennedy Center operations without due regard for those who work there would be harmful for the arts and creative workers in America.

"Should we receive formal notice of a temporary suspension of Kennedy Center operations that displaces our members, we will enforce our contracts and exercise all our rights under the law. We expect continued fair pay, enforceable worker protections, and accountability for our members in the event they cannot work due to an operational pause.

"Our members remain steadfast in bringing to life theatrical, music, opera, dance, and other live artistic performances in the nation's capital that speak to and resonate with all Americans."

As has been extensively reported, many artists have withdrawn from performances at The Kennedy Center since Trump took over, installing a board with little or no experience in management or fundraising for the performing arts. Attendance has plummeted. The Washington National Opera has found new venues. Musicians from the National Symphony have been told that the Kennedy Center will help that organization find a new venue; as of now, nothing has been announced.