Unionized First Avenue workers will picket the famous downtown venue

Workers from First Avenue 's many Twin Cities venues have announced plans to picket the concert venue on Saturday, Sept. 28.

It has been nearly a year since First Avenue voluntarily recognized employees' desire to unionize with Unite Here 17. However, the two sides have yet to agree on a contract.

The company has more than 200 service and event staff across its venues, which include the Palace Theatre, Turf Club, Fine Line, and Fitzgerald Theater, the union says.

"Workers believe First Avenue clubs are the best in the Cities, and First Avenue workers should be treated like the best," the union said in an announcement. "They are calling on the company to settle a union contract with meaningful raises for non-tipped roles that will allow workers to afford the cost of living and seniority that respects their decades of work in the iconic venue."

Unite Here 17 says "nearly all" non-tipped positions at the company's venues earn minimum wage, $15.57 an hour, while other area venues offer higher wages. It specifically cites The Fillmore recently advertising that it offers $20 per hour.

The union adds the two sides have made "huge progress" during negotiations on tentative agreements including scheduling protocols, career development, safety processes, and clear discipline processes.

Representatives for First Avenue did not respond to a request for comment.

“We are what makes these clubs different, period. For the company to propose not counting my nearly 20 years, it’s insulting,” Pauli DeMaris, who has worked at First Avenue since 2005, said in a statement. "A lot goes into putting on a show every night and it can't go well without us.”

Unite Here says Saturday's picket, scheduled to take place in front of First Avenue at noon, will include staff from First Avenue. 7th St. Entry, Depot Tavern, Turf Club, Fine Line, Palace Theatre, and the Fitzgerald Theater, as well as musicians from the Twin Cities United Performers (TCUP).

Related: Employees at three St. Paul co-op stores file for union election