KANSAS CITY, MO – In a victory for entertainment workers in the region, employees at Worlds of Fun amusement park in Kansas City voted 21–1 on July 7, 2026 to join the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 31. The newly formed bargaining unit covers 37 workers across Technical Services, Wardrobe and Stitchers, Costumes, and Creative Services.
The road to this victory was hard-fought at every turn, led by IATSE Representative Thomas Guidugli and Local 31 Leadership. Conversations with workers began in early 2025, setting the campaign in motion, and by summer, a majority of workers had signed and submitted cards to the NLRB.
The employer immediately moved to contest the composition of the bargaining unit, and subsequently sold the company to new ownership, effectively resetting the campaign.
The employer’s efforts to delay and disrupt the union did not end there. The day before the scheduled vote, the park fired a lead organizer, an action that constituted an Unfair Labor Practice, which was addressed accordingly.
Rather than walk away, the crew regrouped. Ultimately delivering a resounding answer and winning their union. Together, workers are now moving forward with bargaining a fair contract.
Live event workers looking to unionize to win better workplaces can head to iatse.net/join to contact an IATSE organizer.
