Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers at House of Blues Houston Vote to Join IATSE Local 51

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Workers at the House of Blues in Houston have voted to join Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 51. An overwhelming 95% of votes were cast in favor of union representation.

The unit covers 42 workers across lighting, sound, video, carpentry, props, stage management, hospitality, freight and backstage coordination.

The workers want to build a safer, fairer and more respectful workplace together. “We came together to form a union because every worker deserves a safe, fair, and respectful workplace,” said stagehand David Allen. “Our goal is simple: to ensure that all employees have adequate working conditions free from favoritism, intimidation, and hostility. We believe that no one should have to choose between their safety and their livelihood.”

“This is a historic moment for the Houston live music industry, and we’re proud to welcome these House of Blues workers into IATSE Local 51,” said Local 51 President Barry Thomas. Local 51 Business Agent Mark Grady added, “This election is another win for working people in the City of Houston, which—along with the recent successful hospitality worker strike—shows that Houston is quickly establishing itself as a leader in a new wave of worker-driven organizing.”

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/07/2025 - 09:53

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UNITE HERE Local 40 Members at Coast Victoria Hotel and Marina Ratify New Collective Bargaining Agreement

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

After a historic 77 days on the picket line, UNITE HERE Local 40 members at Coast Victoria Hotel and Marina by APA in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, ratified a new collective bargaining agreement that delivers wage increases of up to 21%. 

Nearly 90 workers—housekeepers, front-desk agents, cooks, servers and others—voted 88% in favor of a new three-year contract. The new deal provides living wages, a wage re-opener in the final contract year, a process for addressing outstanding respect issues and a new pension benefit.

“I’m so proud of our bargaining committee and what we accomplished together as a group,” said Melissa Irvine, a room attendant and member of the union bargaining committee. “We stood strong, and no one crossed the picket line. The strike and the lockout were both intense and difficult, but we didn’t give up. We fought to the end to win what we deserve.”

The British Columbia Federation of Labour backed the workers with a boycott of Coast Victoria Hotel and its Blue Crab Seafood House.

“We stood shoulder to shoulder for 77 days—and made history. I’m very proud that we fought back and pushed as far as we could,” said Julia Lissell, a front desk agent and another member of the union bargaining committee. “Through the ups and downs, we demonstrated what is possible when workers come together to stand up for fair pay and respect at work.”

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/06/2025 - 10:05