Alamo Drafthouse Members Mobilize for Movie Strike

On April 3, members of CWA Local 7777 at the Sloans Lake Alamo Drafthouse in Denver, Colo., went out on an unfair labor practice strike after a disastrous rollout of a new QR code ordering service severely disrupted work. Members say that management refused to address the impacts of the new system on workers and customers.

Striking workers received an outpouring of community support, with more than 50,000 likes on various social media platforms.

“The QR system isn’t optional; it’s being forced on every guest,” said Katie Hansen of the Sloans Lake bargaining committee. “This creates a worse experience for customers and makes our jobs harder, not easier. I have guests that I have served for 12 years saying they won’t come back again.”

The Alamo Drafthouse is a movie theater and full restaurant. Patrons are encouraged to remain quiet and to avoid using cell phones during shows. Written orders are placed with servers who then deliver them to kitchen staff. The new QR system requires the use of cell phones, which has proven disruptive and confusing, both to customers and to staff. Members say that the new system has led to complications with orders and negative overall satisfaction. Guests have even said they would not return to the venue.

Members are also concerned that QR-based ordering could impact staffing levels in the future.

In contract negotiations, members rejected a proposal by management that would limit their ability to publicly oppose the QR system, including their ability to take collective action.

 
CWA Local 7777 members at Alamo Drafthouse’s Sloans Lake location in Denver, Colo., walked off the job last week for an unfair labor practice strike. Management unilaterally implemented a QR code system for orders that has proven confusing and frustrating for workers and customers alike.

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This post originally appeared on cwa-union.org.