Now, workers at three Live Nation venues in Denver are standing up against low wages and poor working conditions. Workers at workers at Summit Music Hall and the Marquis Theater voted to unionize. They join a third Live Nation venue, the Fillmore Auditorium, who in International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local #7. The Fillmore voted to unionize in 2003.

Max Peterson, business representative for the Denver Theatrical Stage, Film & Exhibition Employees’ Union said, “A lot of people get in this business because they freaking love music…. What we see often is that these mega-corporations take advantage of that passion and undercut what would normally be a fair shake for these workers.”

IATSE organizer Hilliard Probasco said, “Labor conditions for production workers in the rock and roll industry are insecure, benefits are virtually nonexistent, and wages are low compared to union jobs within the entertainment industry. This crew has decided to take action to change that, and we look forward to helping them achieve these necessary changes.”

The work of Peterson, Probasco, and other labor activists in Denver have once again shown us that a collective struggle with our co-workers wins change.

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Tania Singh is a leader in the Minnesota Nurses Association, an affiliate of National Nurses United, who had organized a campaign to unionize sexual assault examiners. Her positive activity in the union made no difference when she was placed on administrative leave after stating on social media that she supports oppressed people’s right to resist in any way they see fit. She considers this to be new-age McCarthyism.

Dr. Zaki Masoud was terminated after posting a statement on Instagram supporting the Palestinian resistance. One week after NYU Langone terminated the doctor, Masoud received recognition for “Outstanding Patient Care” from his residency newsletter. Over 100,000 have signed a petition demanding his reinstatement.

This retaliation is unfortunately not unique to healthcare workers.

Zainab Chaudry, director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) office in Maryland stated, “There’s a very real sense of fear within our communities about the implications of these kinds of incidents and the consequences of reporting and coming forward to demand justice. There’s a fear of consequences, of backlash, of intimidation, harassment, further perpetuation of the aggressions against the victim.”

From October 7 to October 24, 2023, CAIR received 774 requests for help and reports of bias incidents from Muslims across the US (182% increase). “We’re working seven days a week, around the clock, fielding incoming complaints.”

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