SIFF Cinema Workers Union Say Management Has ‘Unilaterally Suspended’ Bargaining

It’s been a great year for independent movie theaters in Seattle. But not for the workers in the SIFF Cinema Workers Union (SCWU). For the majority of 2026, they’ve been operating without a contract and bargaining has been slow going. Now, they say it’s been brought to a standstill. On top of that, SCWU claims management has retaliated against a union member, a charge SIFF disputes. SCWU has filed an unfair labor practice (ULP) with the National Labor Relations Board—their second this year—over these issues and say they are now “actively discussing next steps.” In a statement, the union said SIFF “unilaterally suspended the bargaining process” and “no progress has been made since the summer.” Back then, members expressed cautious optimism that SIFF was bargaining fairly after union members walked out before sold-out 70mm screenings of The Odyssey at SIFF Cinema Downtown.

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