The arts world is seeing a major shakeup that nobody saw coming.
A prestigious institution known for performances is now center stage in a different kind of drama.
And Kennedy Center staffers just made one bold move that left Trump’s new board stunned.
Kennedy Center staff create new union amid leadership changes
Staffers at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced plans to unionize on Thursday as they navigate a period of significant transition at the renowned institution.
The workers are organizing under the name “Kennedy Center United Arts Workers” and partnering with the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) to represent their interests, according to the Washington Post.
Approximately 60 percent of eligible workers—about 90 “trust” or nonfederal employees—have already signed union cards that were submitted to the National Labor Relations Board. The board subsequently notified Kennedy Center leadership about the unionization request.
The unionization push follows major leadership changes at the Kennedy Center. President Donald Trump was unanimously elected chairman of the Board of the Kennedy Center after a vote by the board of trustees earlier this year. This appointment came after Trump removed several board members who had been appointed by former President Joe Biden.
Workers pursuing unionization cited communication concerns as a primary motivation for organizing.
“Communication from leadership to staff has been reduced to emails that are few and far between. We haven’t had any all-staff meetings. Senior staff meetings have been paused,” Kennedy Center employees told the Washington Post.
Staff and management disagree on financial outlook
The unionizing workers expressed frustration over what they describe as a “lack of transparency” from current leadership at the arts center. One of their stated goals is to ensure “greater transparency moving forward” as the institution navigates its new direction.
New leadership installed after Trump became chairman has painted a grim picture of the Kennedy Center’s finances, suggesting the organization faces potential financial ruin. However, staff members dispute this characterization, indicating disagreement about the center’s economic outlook.
Beyond transparency issues, workers are seeking to change their employment status from “at will” to “for cause,” which would provide them with greater job security by making terminations more difficult. This comes amid reported layoffs since President Trump’s inauguration in January.
The Kennedy Center, which receives federal funding, has also experienced tension with performing artists since the leadership transition. According to reports, cast members from Les Misérables threatened to boycott a performance when Trump was in attendance, and the production of Hamilton canceled its run at the center.
These developments highlight the growing tensions between the arts community and the new administration’s approach to cultural institutions. The unionization effort represents an attempt by staff to secure their positions and influence the direction of the Kennedy Center during this period of transition.
The Kennedy Center stands as one of America’s most prestigious performing arts venues, hosting world-class performances across music, dance, and theater while serving as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. How this unionization effort and the ongoing leadership changes will affect its artistic and cultural mission remains to be seen.
Union representatives and Kennedy Center management have not yet announced when formal negotiations might begin. The National Labor Relations Board will now evaluate the request and could potentially schedule a vote to officially certify the union if the Kennedy Center does not voluntarily recognize it.
