Kennedy Center Workers Launch Union Push After Layoffs

Drama is taking center stage at the Kennedy Center — but it’s not the kind you’d expect. Employees at the famed performing arts institution announced plans to unionize, citing layoffs, anxiety and a troubling lack of transparency from leadership since President Trump took the reins in February. The new union, dubbed Kennedy Center United Arts Workers, is partnering with the UAW — the same union that represents auto and aerospace workers. More than 60% of eligible employees have already thrown their hats into the ring, officially filing with the National Labor Relations Board to hold a formal union vote. This move comes on the heels of Trump's controversial takeover, where he promptly ousted Biden-era leadership, including longtime president Deborah Rutter. Since then, nearly 10% of the staff has been laid off. Employees say communication from Trump’s appointed leadership has dwindled to sparse emails — fueling uncertainty and frustration. Workers aim to transition from at-will employment to for-cause, meaning they cannot be fired without legally defensible reasons. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.