MINNEAPOLIS — More than 200 service and event workers from First Avenue have organized to unionize. The union will represent workers from all seven of First Ave's venues.
"First Ave has the best clubs in the cities; we're the best at our jobs. Every time we have an employee party, that's what they say," Pauli DeMaris said. DeMaris said he's been with First Ave for 18 years, working all sorts of jobs. He said pizza parties and pats on the back are not enough.
"[We're] getting minimum wage — and that we are one of the best venues around — it seems that we should be treated just as well as we do from the community," DeMaris said.
The sentiment of wanting more also came from new workers like Maddy Loch, who has been at First Ave for a year.
"If I were respected as a worker, the club would spend more time training so I can learn and grow," Loch said. "And be best prepared for the unexpected. If I were respected, I'd be earning a wage that matches the work I put into the venue."
DeMaris said he stuck with First Avenue, not only because it's his job, but because he loves every aspect about it.
"It's the same reason I never left — my love of music, my love of all my coworkers and the fact that we throw the best party in town," DeMaris said.
First Ave's CEO and President Dayna Frank said in a statement Friday afternoon that the multi-venue operation is voluntarily recognizing the union and will now enter into bargaining.
The statement reads in part:
"Behind our venues are the people who bring in artists and make the concerts magical, they are Minnesotans who recognize beauty and know how to help artists showcase it. We recognize that our employees are a key to our success, and it is why we have continually worked to provide them competitive pay, health insurance for anyone working more than 25 hours per week, 401k matching contributions, and more. So when bartenders, service, and event staff expressed their desire to form a union, there was only one answer, which is why we will voluntarily recognize the union, and are committed to bargaining in good faith.
Bargaining in good faith will require everyone to look at the challenges we face as a whole, and how we can strengthen our workplace, incorporate more perspectives, and ultimately move forward together. While this might be difficult, and will inevitably result in change, I am committed to working together to address those challenges."
Following the release of Frank's statement, the union representing First Avenue workers, UNITE HERE Local 17, said in a statement:
“First Avenue has agreed to voluntarily recognize our Union. This is a testament to the love the First Ave workers have for each other, their unity, and their desire to make their workplaces better. We look forward to beginning discussions with First Avenue.”
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