OVERVIEW
On October 25, 2025, select employees at I.M.P. presented a petition requesting that management voluntarily recognize UNITE HERE Local 25 as the bargaining unit for our bartenders, service and event staff. We met with Local 25 and it was clear that a majority of our U Street venue employees wanted union representation. As such, I.M.P. confirmed on November 12, 2025 in a letter to employees that it would voluntarily recognize the union, allowing both parties to begin negotiating their first contract. The full letter to employees from I.M.P. is available below.
January 16, 2026
Negotiators for I.M.P. and UNITE Here Local 25 convened for a scheduled bargaining session to continue negotiations toward a collective bargaining agreement.
I.M.P. came prepared with a comprehensive response to the union’s more than 60 pages of initial contract proposals. As I.M.P. began walking through the first page of its responses the Union’s lead negotiator skipped ahead to the “Union Security” section, which covers the process of dues collection. The union’s initial proposal said that the employer is responsible for collecting union dues, an amount that at this stage has not been defined by the union, by deducting dues from employee paychecks, and also demands that I.M.P. fire any new employee who doesn’t sign up for the union within 30 days of hire. Upon reading that I.M.P did not immediately agree to accept the Union’s proposals, the union’s lead negotiator said “I’m kicking you out. Get out of this room.”
I.M.P. representatives then left.
Following the bargaining session, I.M.P. followed up with the union’s lead negotiator to reiterate its commitment to reaching an agreement and proposed a series of dates to continue negotiations. I.M.P. is awaiting a response from the union and remains ready to return to the bargaining table.
December 16, 2025
Negotiators for I.M.P. and UNITE Here Local 25 held their first official bargaining session to begin negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement.
During the session, union representatives presented a comprehensive list of more than 60 pages of initial contract proposals. This included proposals covering wages, seniority and tenure, and ancillary benefits. Both parties expressed their shared desire to work together to attempt to reach a contract that is mutually beneficial.
After the union’s presentation, I.M.P. negotiators said that they would take time over the next several weeks to assess these proposals, and come prepared to ask questions and discuss further at the next bargaining session.
The parties are scheduled to meet again on January 16, 2026.
November 12, 2025
Dear I.M.P. Staff members –
I started as the bar manager at the original 9:30 Club on F street and since then have held just about every job possible here.
A lot has changed over those years, but one of the constants is that we have always been a place for creatives, for music lovers, for musicians, and for people seeking community through music. It’s why we have opposed the consolidation and anticompetitive practices that hurt fans. It’s why we stood up for our employees during the pandemic with the Family Fund to do our part to help and fought to pass things like the “Save Our Stages Act,” to make sure community-oriented, locally-owned and independently operated venues continue to exist.
We’ve also always had an incredible team of people, from our booking office to the security team to our hospitality and bar staff. Everyone plays an invaluable role in welcoming our guests on stage and in front of it, creating an amazing experience for them all. We recognize this and it’s why we have offered competitive pay and benefits, while ensuring we can continue to bring in quality acts.
We have met with UNITE HERE Local 25 and have reiterated our record as an employer, and our commitment to each of you. While we know working with a union will fundamentally change our relationship with our bartenders, service and event staff, we understand that a majority of U Street venue employees have expressed their desire for union representation. As such, we have agreed to voluntarily recognize Local 25 and will bargain in good faith to reach a contract.
As you know, our city and our industry continue to navigate challenges and an uncertain economic environment. As such it is essential for us to collectively strengthen our workplace, improve communication, and chart a sustainable future. We will continue to work together to create the best possible future for our I.M.P. family and our community.
Best,
Donna