Coolidge Corner Theater Union contract negotiations stalled for two weeks.

The CCTU said negotiations stalled on Nov. 21. What's changed since then?

The struggling industry of independent cinemas has caused the closures of smaller theaters over the past decade in favor of chain movie theaters like Showcase Cinemas and AMC. One of Boston’s oldest cinema’s The Coolidge Corner Theater, is currently facing a different problem. 

As the theater celebrates 92 years of showcasing independent and small films and providing educational services, it is also facing backlash from employees. The Coolidge Corner Theater Union has began negotiations, seeking improved wages and a more fair structure to pay. 

The CCTU developed this past May, to outpouring support from the community. Soon after the declaration of the union, the Coolidge openly recognized the employees organization efforts in early June. The voluntary recognition meant a lot to union members. Union spokesperson Andrew Schlehuber made a statement on social media after the theater’s recognition was released.

 “We’re all incredibly proud to have made it this far. We hope to keep the momentum going, and to continue to make Coolidge a great community,” said Schlehuber.

Despite these efforts, negotiations stalled after six months of recognition and discussions have passed. The Coolidge was not cooperating with the demands of union members who were pushing for more improvements to benefits, scheduling and wages. Nov. 21 marked a counterproductive proposal from theater managers according to the CCTU board. '

Ginny Hamlin, an employee of six years at the Coolidge, said that the unions early recognition was extremely good news and exciting, a momentum they are trying to uphold as negotiations and discussions between members and management begin to slow down.

“We are still hopeful that in the next coming weeks we are able to get some movement from either side. I know a few weeks ago we reached a point that stalled out a bit. We weren’t quite satisfied with where we had gotten. But you know, we continue to meet most weeks,” said Hamlin.

Management proposed a decrease in benefits and extra payment opportunities, tip pool allocation changes, including the opportunity for shift supervisors to be included in the pool and denied wage increases across multiple staff positions.

Maintained by many of the union members, the Coolidge is not just a theater. While discourse online about the unions continues, Hamlin hopes that skeptics of theater workers unionizing understand this is an opportunity and benefit to all employees at any job.

“I understand the criticism, but also at the same time as time progresses it has become more important and accepted for laborers and workers to have their voices heard in that way,” Hamlin said. “Especially in terms of people who are criticizing us as a theater, the Coolidge is definitely more than just a theater. It’s also a non-profit, it’s kind of a cultural space and a community space, it’s a landmark.”

The theater continues to operate as normal, with its new educational addition inviting guest lecturers and bringing more of the community to the Coolidge. The uniqueness of the theater has allowed it to remain popular and well-regarded local business, but also changes the nature of what the employees are doing, an important distinction Hamlin hopes people who want to know more about the unionization of smaller businesses like the Coolidge can understand.

“Our jobs are definitely multifaceted, we have a lot we need to deal with beyond the day to day of shows,” said Hamlin. 

The theater staff of 49 members was able to garner the assistance of the local United Auto Workers chapter. The CCTU social media explained the reason for forming alongside the UAW. While benefits like the undeniable strength and track record of the UAW stood as a good sign, the UAW’s stance with other local businesses like the Brookline Booksmith and Harvard Book Store showed solidarity with the smaller local businesses of greater Boston.

The CCTU was able to receive attention and traction through its collaboration with Wenham Street Cinema, a garage turned mini movie theater in Jamaica Plain. Matt Shuman, who runs the free micro-cinema, shared his support for the CCTU.

“I support unionization efforts, specifically I support the efforts of the workers at Coolidge Corner,” said Shuman. “This is not just a local chain, this is a local, solo, single spot that's also a nonprofit. They just did an expansion, they’re not at risk of going out of business like I believe they were in late 70s and early 80s. Again I want stress. I support the unionization effort and I support the workers, but I also think the context to some degree matters. This is not the same as a unionization effort at a large national chain.”

With efforts continuing, members of the union hope that despite the CCTU forming, their love and admiration for the local cinema remains strong.

“I do, as everybody in the union does, but with the time I’ve spent there, I do feel really connected to it. It’s a very special place to work for,” said Hamlin. “It feels important to fight for it, to improve conditions and improve every aspect of this place.”

The management at the Coolidge Corner Theater has not provided Howjuliacsit with comment at the time of publication.