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California Medieval Times Performers Win Their Union

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Medieval Times Performers United California Organizing Committee, MTUnitedCA@gmail.com

Buena Park, Calif., November 3, 2022 - In a 27 to 18 vote, the show cast, knights and squires, and stable hands at the Buena Park Medieval Times castle voted to join the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA). This important step to ensure a fairer and safer work environment, with appropriate living wages.

AGVA released the following statement:

"By bringing the Performers and Stable Hands at Medieval Times, Buena Park, CA to the 'table,' we will collaboratively negotiate a fair Collective Bargaining Agreement which ensures that wages are commensurate with skills, improves safety protocols (and enforces them) and brings about a respectful working environment. The American Guild of Variety Artists looks forward to a cooperative relationship with Medieval Times management, knowing that fostering this kind of culture will enhance the Medieval Times experience not only for those in the show, but also for the many guests who flock to enjoy it."

NLRB Rules in Favor of AGVA, California Medieval Times Performers United NLRB Election Date Set

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Medieval Times Performers United California Organizing Committee, MTUnitedCA@gmail.com

Buena Park, Calif., November 3, 2022 - After a painstakingly long wait, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has decided in favor of the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA) following its hearing on August 15, 2022, to determine the appropriateness of Medieval Times Performers United’s bargaining unit at the Buena Park, CA castle.

The bargaining unit will consist of all full- and part-time employees within the knights, squires, show cast, and stables departments. The NLRB has also, at long last, set an in-person election date for Thursday, November 10, 2022, at the Buena Park Medieval Times location.

Commenting on the NLRB’s decision, attorney Nicholas Johnson, Spivak Lipton LLP had this to say: “Medieval Times tried to separate and divide its California workers after it agreed to a single bargaining unit in New Jersey and then lost the election by a lopsided margin. The Regional Director saw through the employer’s meritless arguments and correctly found that a single bargaining unit is appropriate.”

The California organizing committee of Medieval Times Performers United released the following statement:

“We are very excited to finally take this next, important step forward in our organizing effort. We’re looking forward to casting our ballots for a fairer, safer, and more equitable workplace.”

Susanne Doris, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of AGVA added: “AGVA welcomes the Regional Director’s decision and looks forward to welcoming the Buena Park Medieval Times workers into our union family. We are confident that the Buena Park knights, squires, show cast, and stable hands will follow in the footsteps of their Lyndhurst, New Jersey coworkers and vote for union representation to fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect in the workplace.”