Casa Bonita Performers Strike Amid Trey Parker and Matt Stone Ownership
The performers of Casa Bonita, a renowned theme restaurant, have initiated a strike led by their union, Actors’ Equity Association. This action stems from stalled contract negotiations with the restaurant’s management, now overseen by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
Background of the Strike
Last year, Casa Bonita performers, portraying characters including Black Bart and Captain Isabella, voted unanimously to join Actors’ Equity. Their decision came after feeling the strain of their working conditions and pay.
Following a breakdown in contract talks, the performers announced they would begin picketing on Thursday, humorously dubbing their campaign “‘Casa Boo-nita’” and promising to transform the restaurant into an “empty pink building for Halloween.” This whimsical protest underscores their dissatisfaction with management.
Issues with Management
Central to the dispute is the removal of several performers, which the union suggests was retaliatory. Management claimed these actors were let go only for the Halloween event. Regardless, this action caused a significant financial burden, leading to the filing of an Unfair Labor Practice with the National Labor Relations Board.
One performer stated, “They broke the law when they did it,” reiterating the necessity for management to negotiate with the union in good faith during contract discussions.
Contract Negotiations
- Management offered an additional 11 cents over the last wage proposal, which was deemed insufficient.
- Proposed future layoff protections were minimal.
- Performers requested better pay and workplace protections.
Andrea Hoeschen, the lead negotiator for Actors’ Equity, criticized management’s tactics, emphasizing that they could afford better pay for performers, as servers and bartenders received higher wages. “Their insistence on paying DOLLARS an hour less to the performers reflects a choice and a philosophy to devalue performers,” she remarked.
Context of Labor Disputes
The current labor strife is not an isolated issue for Casa Bonita. Since its recent reopening, management decisions, including the removal of tipping for service staff, have led to significant dissatisfaction among employees.
In response to backlash, wages for service positions were increased, but performers continue to face challenges. This labor unrest highlights ongoing struggles that have plagued Casa Bonita since its reimagining.
The Financial Situation
Despite the turmoil surrounding Casa Bonita, Parker and Stone recently secured a lucrative $1.5 billion contract for their show. This financial cushion may help them manage the repercussions of the strike better than the performers themselves.
As tensions mount, the future of Casa Bonita and its performers hangs in the balance, making this an important moment for labor rights within the entertainment industry.
