Workers at two New York City Alamo Drafthouse cinemas ended a 58-day strike after the Sony-owned chain agreed to terms including rehiring employees who were laid off in February, said the group’s union NYC Alamo United, which is affiliated with the UAW.
An overwhelming majority of workers ratified a tentative offer from Alamo said to guarantee workers will be rehired with previously earned paid time off and sick days restored along with original seniority and hire date.
“We will be returning to work officially on April 18 but feel free to start patronizing the Alamos in BK & Manhattan,” the group said, referring to Alamo Drafthouses in Brooklyn and lower Manhattan where workers, who are part of UAW local 2179, have been picketing since the chain laid of 70 in early February.
People close to Alamo had noted then that it’s common practice to trim staff in a post-holiday lull at the box office. Union organizers, however, said it’s more typical to cut hours during slow periods, not trigger widespread layoffs.
The UAW local had filed an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB against Alamo and Sony Pictures Entertainment – which acquired the circuit last summer — citing “refusal to respond to information requests and alleging bad faith bargaining. After abruptly declaring an impasse, Alamo announced it was laying off 70 workers instead of negotiating with the union over a reduction of hours.”
“Thank you to everyone who supported – all who donated, all who shared, all who showed up, all who boycotted,” said NYC Alamo United on X.
