Region 31-Los Angeles Secures Settlement Agreement Requiring Star Garden to Reinstate and Bargain with Unlawfully Fired Dancers

Today, the NLRB’s Region 31-Los Angeles office conducted a ballot count for Dancers/Entertainers and DJs at 21st Century Valet Parking, LLC d/b/a Star Garden Enterprise (“Star Garden”), an adult entertainment venue in Los Angeles, California. The workers voted to be represented by Actors Equity Association 17-0. Star Garden must now begin bargaining in good faith with the union.

On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, the Regional Director of Region 31 approved a settlement agreement between the parties resolving multiple unfair labor practice allegations, which were set for trial.

Among other remedies obtained in the settlement, Star Garden agreed to take the following steps upon the anticipated granting of a motion to dismiss its bankruptcy proceedings:

• Reopen its business, and reinstate certain employees, placing others on a preferential hiring list;
• Pay backpay to employees;
• Immediately recognize the union and abide by a bargaining schedule with the union;
• And not refile for bankruptcy for one year (or Chapter 11 bankruptcy for 18 months).

In addition, Star Garden agreed to post, distribute, and read a notice to employees about employee rights under the National Labor Relations Act and agreed to permit a Board agent to train its managers and supervisors about the National Labor Relations Act and unfair labor practices.

“Workers have the right to take collective action for a safe and equitable work environment. I admire the dancers who had the courage to protest their unsafe working conditions,” said Region 31 Regional Director Mori Rubin. “I am also very pleased with the settlement and greatly appreciate the hard work of the Region 31 attorneys who investigated the case, handled bankruptcy matters, prepared for the trial, and pursued a settlement that would remedy the unfair labor practices.” 

Established in 1935, the National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency that protects employees, employers, and unions from unfair labor practices and protects the right of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve wages, benefits and working conditions. The NLRB conducts hundreds of workplace elections and investigates thousands of unfair labor practice charges each year. Region 31 serves areas in California from its Regional Office in Los Angeles.