Alamo Drafthouse workers in St. Louis are a QR code away from unionizing

Workers at the Alamo Drafthouse City Foundry in St. Louis are on the brink of forming a union, following a series of changes to the theater's operations that have left employees feeling undervalued and overworked. Logan Allgood, a teacher and bartender at the location, recalls the excitement he felt when the Alamo opened in 2022, praising the community and appreciation of cinema it fostered.

However, recent nationwide updates to the Alamo Drafthouse chain's practices have caused significant strife for its staff. These changes include inconsistent scheduling, understaffed shifts, and unclear service fees, which have been exacerbated by the introduction of a QR code system for ordering and service. This new system, which allows patrons to scan a QR code with their phones to place their orders, has been met with backlash from both customers and employees alike.

The QR code system was perceived as a betrayal of the Alamo's brand and a move away from the human touch that the theater chain was known for. Employees reported feeling the impact of these changes firsthand, with the company cutting labor costs and increasing individual workloads. The introduction of the QR code system, in particular, has been a catalyst for the unionization conversation.

After the successful unionization of Alamo Drafthouse locations in Brooklyn and Denver, St. Louis workers reached out to the United Auto Workers (UAW) for support. Although most of the staff's concerns are non-economic, gratuity issues have become a significant concern, mirroring the difficulties faced in the gig economy. Confusing receipt information and unclear service fees have left employees feeling undervalued and frustrated.

Additionally, the lack of scheduling notice has made it difficult for staff to plan their lives around their work, leading to burnout and strained personal relationships. Management's refusal to engage with the workers and their insistence on instituting policies that reduce the number of human workers, such as the QR code system, has created a tense atmosphere between staff and management.

The company has even resorted to employing a law firm known for its union-busting tactics, further exacerbating the situation. Despite these challenges, the St. Louis Alamo Drafthouse staff remains determined to organize and improve their working conditions.