Washington, D.C. — The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) said the May 29 federal court decision blocking the Kennedy Center’s planned shutdown confirms what workers have warned for months: major decisions were rushed, poorly informed, and put jobs and programming at risk.

The court found that the closure plan failed to meet basic obligations and relied on incomplete information. That plan was used to justify layoffs and disruptions affecting IATSE members and other union workers.

“This ruling confirms that you cannot dismantle a workforce through a flawed process,” said International President Matthew D. Loeb. “Workers deserve lawful decision-making, transparency, and a real voice in choices that affect their livelihoods and this institution’s future.”

The decision does not end the labor disputes at the Kennedy Center, as the Kennedy Center has told its employees that the Center is considering all of its options. The Kennedy Center has not returned the laid-off employees to their jobs, despite calls by the Union to do so in light of the court’s ruling. Moreover, unfair labor practice charges remain pending, contract negotiations are still unresolved, and workers continue to demand legally required negotiations  over any changes that affect jobs, schedules, or working conditions. More demonstrations and legal actions are expected in the coming days and weeks.

“The fight to protect good union jobs at the Kennedy Center is far from over,” Loeb said. “Our members are ready to do their jobs. We expect management to do theirs by bargaining in good faith, respecting workers’ rights, and honoring the public mission of the center.”