Casa Bonita, the iconic Denver restaurant, has announced it will eliminate several beloved characters, including Black Bart, Captain Isabella, Amazon Ani, and the Sheriff. This decision follows a $40 million renovation funded by owners Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
The Actors’ Equity Association, which represents more than 51,000 actors and stage managers, has responded by filing an Unfair Labor Practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board. Andrea Hoeschen, the union’s assistant executive director and general counsel, stated, “Without engaging in bargaining with Actors’ Equity Association as required by the National Labor Relations Act, Casa Bonita management has unilaterally eliminated over 1,000 hours of available shifts for unionized employees.”
She characterized the management’s decision as “a foolish, retaliatory and downright illegal decision that both harms the workers who make Casa Bonita special and deprives patrons of the magic of the Casa Bonita experience.” The union is urging Casa Bonita management to restore the eliminated characters and to engage in good faith negotiations.
Management’s actions come amidst a rapidly unionizing workforce at the restaurant, raising concerns about job security for employees who contribute to the venue’s unique entertainment offerings. For additional information, supporters can follow Casa Bonita United and Actors’ Equity Association on Instagram.
Source: Actors’ Equity Association.