This morning, in response to the Kravis Center’s continuing and new unfair labor practices, IATSE Local 500 South Florida, has called an unfair labor practice strike against the Kravis Center.
For more than 12 years, the Kravis Center has been in continuous violation of federal labor law.
- Case 1: It all began in September 2000, when the Kravis Center unlawfully fired stage hands and committed massive unfair labor practices. The Kravis Center was found guilty by a federal administrative law judge (in 2002), by the NLRB (in 2007), and by a federal appellate court (in 2008). The Kravis Center still has not paid damages which the NLRB claims to be more than $2.6 million, plus interest. A full-blown trial is being scheduled.
- Case 2: In January 2009, under court order, the Kravis Center returned to bargaining and then in January 2011, illegally fired stage hands and committed more unfair labor practices. It is estimated that damages are accruing at more than $300,000 per year. The Kravis’s unlawful conduct has adversely affected the ability of stage hands to make a decent living. A complaint against the Kravis Center was issued and a trial is being scheduled.
- Case 3: In January 2012, Judith Mitchell met with the IATSE International President to resolve all issues. An agreement was reached and everyone “shook hands.” Then the Kravis Center reneged on that agreement. Another COMPLAINT against the Kravis Center was issued for bargaining in bad faith by regressive bargaining. According to the Complaint, the representative of the Kravis Center “admitted that he had lied to representatives of theUnion during the collective-bargaining negotiations. . . .” A trial is being scheduled.
Damages are in the millions of dollars. It is estimated that the Kravis Center has spent millions of dollars in attorneys’ fees and costs, implementing and maintaining more than twelve years of unlawful conduct.
IATSE apologizes for any adverse impact on the public due to the unfair labor practice strike.
We would request that the public call Judith Mitchell and Jim Mitchell at (561) 833-8300 and tell them to stop violating federal labor law.
Related: NLRB issues second complaint and seeks $2.6 million plus interest from Florida performing arts center after it failed to comply with Board order.
