The new four-year contract between amalgamated UE Local 203 and the Flynn Regional Box Office boosted wages to $17 per hour when it went into effect on July 1, representing a double-digit percentage increase for workers who previously made between $15 and $15.50. Wages will increase to $17.68, $18.21, and $18.76 in the second, third and fourth years of the agreement.
The contract achieved a goal long sought by Flynn workers: parking. The Flynn is located in downtown Burlington and workers have been faced with the choice of paying exorbitant parking rates to park nearby or having to walk long distances to find free parking. Workers also see this as a safety issue, as they often have to work late into the evening when there are performances at the theater. The new contract will allow box office workers to park in the theater’s parking garage, or, if there is not room, provides that a member of management will be available to escort the worker to their car.
The contract also adds paid bereavement leave for the first time.
The contract was negotiated by Patrick McAndrew, assisted by Field Organizer Abbie Curtis.