In a unanimous vote Friday evening, 69 Casa Bonita performers at the iconic Lakewood “eatertainment” venue officially agreed to form a union, City Cast Denver learned.
The employees — which include entertainment staff such as cliff divers, character actors, and magicians — are working with both the Actors' Equity Association and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 7 to demand better compensation and safer working conditions.
City Cast Denver spoke with Bethel Lindsley, Casa Bonita’s Dive Lead, immediately following the vote. Having the two unions work together in tandem is precedent-setting for industry, she told us.
Next steps will be negotiations.
“We’re not expecting changes overnight, but at least now we get to start having those conversations,” Lindsley said. “Everybody in the entertainment department realizes this step forward is about the future, as much as our own jobs. It’s about making Casa the best place for our guests and for us moving forward. It’s about the legacy of Casa Bonita.”
Following the vote, Casa Bonita management sent a statement to staff:
“Although there may be a differing of opinions on this issue, please remember that we are part of a collective team. It’s important that we remain respectful of one another as we move forward together into this new phase at Casa Bonita. We value all of our employees and respect the Entertainment Department’s right to form a union. We look forward to continuing a positive relationship as we work collectively to build a bright and sustainable future for Casa.”
When employees first announced unionization efforts back in October, City Cast Denver spoke with union spokesperson WM. Riley Holmes, who told us Casa Bonita management declined to voluntarily recognize a union.
We will continue to follow this story on the City Cast Denver podcast and in the Hey Denver newsletter as it develops.
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