I.M.P. Workers Win Union Recognition

I.M.P. will voluntarily recognize a union representing workers at three of its iconic Washington, D.C. venues.

In a letter to employees, COO Donna Westmoreland said the company will recognize UNITE HERE Local 25 to represent workers at its three U Street venues: the 9:30 Club, The Atlantis and Lincoln Theatre.

“Everyone plays an invaluable role in welcoming our guests on stage and in front of it, creating an amazing experience for them all. We recognize this and it’s why we have offered competitive pay and benefits, while ensuring we can continue to bring in quality acts,” she wrote. “We have met with UNITE HERE Local 25 and have reiterated our record as an employer, and our commitment to each of you. While we know working with a union will fundamentally change our relationship with our bartenders, service and event staff, we understand that a majority of U Street venue employees have expressed their desire for union representation. As such, we have agreed to voluntarily recognize Local 25 and will bargain in good faith to reach a contract.”

I.M.P. employees launched a unionization effort in late October with the help of three locals. The UNITE local aims to represent food and beverage, door and floor staff at the three U Street venues. Sound and stage production staff at those venues, along with The Anthem, are working with IATSE Local 22, while box-office staff at the venues is being assisted by IATSE Local 868. UNITE HERE led a similar — and successful — unionization effort at Minneapolis’ First Avenue in 2023.

While Westmoreland’s letter only pertains to UNITE and the workers it seeks to represent, an I.M.P. spokesperson tells Pollstar a meeting is scheduled with IATSE representatives, as well.