First Avenue says it will recognize employee union

First Avenue will recognize a union representing about 200 hospitality workers across seven venues.

First Avenue Productions President and CEO Dayna Frank said in a statement Friday — a day after employees informed management of their intent to unionize — that the company will voluntarily recognize the union. That means workers and managers can now head to the bargaining table to negotiate a contract.

"Bargaining in good faith will require everyone to look at the challenges we face as a whole, and how we can strengthen our workplace, incorporate more perspectives and ultimately move forward together," Frank said. "While this might be difficult, and will inevitably result in change, I am committed to working together to address those challenges."

More than 70% of the roughly 200 workers voted to move forward with unionization. Workers cited low pay, inconsistent training and short-notice scheduling among their top concerns.

Unite Here Local 17 will represent all of the company's hospitality employees, whose work ranges from collecting tickets to bartending.

First Avenue recognizing the union "is a testament to the love the First Ave. workers have for each other, their unity and their desire to make their workplaces better," Unite Here Local 17 said in a statement. "We look forward to beginning discussions with First Avenue."

If First Avenue had chosen not to recognize the union, the next step would have been filing a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to hold a union election.

First Avenue Productions' venues include First Avenue, 7th Street Entry, the Fitzgerald Theater, the Palace Theatre, the Turf Club, Fine Line and the Depot Tavern.