Denver inks $30 million stagehands contract for Red Rocks, other venues despite wage-theft concerns raised by union
The Denver Metropolis Council has accepted a $30 million contract with ASM International to handle stagehand staffing at Crimson Rocks and different metropolis venues after discussing issues in regards to the firm’s compliance with metropolis wage legal guidelines.
That unanimous vote was taken Monday after some council members warned that they deliberate to regulate ASM and different metropolis contractors to make sure these firms adhere to native wage guidelines.
Councilwoman Sarah Parady, a labor legal professional, postponed a remaining vote on the contract on the council’s April 22 assembly after which known as it out for feedback earlier than the ultimate vote. She mentioned members of the labor union Worldwide Alliance of Theatrical Stage Staff, or IATSE, had reached out to her to boost issues about previous wage disputes with ASM.
IATSE gives a lot of the stagehand staffing at metropolis venues and is getting ready to barter a brand new contract with ASM International later this 12 months, union leaders instructed The Denver Submit.
“I’m grateful to members of IATSE for bringing to our consideration some wage disputes they’ve had with this metropolis contractor,” Parady mentioned, with out going into additional element. “I’m a sure tonight following the lead of the union.”
The $30 million contract is backdated to Jan. 1 and runs by means of Dec. 31, 2026, in accordance with a metropolis abstract. There are two choices for one-year extensions.
The deal covers all stagehand staffing and related supervision, consulting and payroll administration for Crimson Rocks Amphitheatre, the Denver Coliseum, the Denver Middle for the Performing Arts and different city-owned venues. Town expects to recoup a overwhelming majority of the contract — 90%, give or take — by charging venue customers for the companies ASM gives, the abstract says.
ASM was the incumbent stagehand contractor. The corporate additionally holds a separate $250 million contract to handle all facets of the Colorado Conference Middle by means of 2033.
Labor issues — particularly wage theft — had been entrance and middle at Monday’s council assembly.
The council additionally unanimously accepted a measure that granted restricted subpoena powers to the Denver Auditor’s Workplace. Denver Labor, its arm that investigates wage-theft claims, now has the authorized authority to demand timecards and different data that employers have refused to offer throughout investigations. Third-party listening to officers will now rule on disputed information requests.
ASM International and its relationship with IATSE got here beneath the microscope throughout a gathering of the council’s Enterprise, Arts, Workforce, Local weather & Aviation Companies Committee earlier this month.
Committee chair Chris Hinds advised that metropolis contractors with “a historical past of acrimonious relationships” with labor unions must be held to increased requirements when metropolis leaders contemplate contract bids. Denver Arts & Venues govt director Gretchen Hollrah instructed council members that she inserted language within the ASM contract giving the town the ability to compel the corporate and its union workforce to come back collectively for dialogue when disputes come up.
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