Basement Escape Room Achieves Historic Union Contract

The Basement, a haunted escape room located in Sylmar, California, has made history by becoming the first escape room in the world to ratify a collective bargaining agreement with the Actors’ Equity Association. This milestone was achieved when the venue's workers voted unanimously to approve their first contract, which secures higher wages, improved safety standards, and scheduling protections for the performers who guide guests through immersive experiences. The Basement, which opened in 2014, employs 15 people and features four interactive rooms where live actors play crucial roles in the storytelling.

THE BASEMENT Escape Room Becomes the First One in the World With a Union ContractSylmar Escape Room First To Unionize With Actors' EquityLA Times

The newly ratified contract includes significant provisions aimed at enhancing the working conditions for the performers. Key achievements of the agreement include wage increases ranging from 6.8% to 15.9%, a signing bonus, guaranteed raises after one year of employment, and scheduling protections that ensure a minimum of four-hour shifts and regular days off. Additionally, the contract addresses media rights, stipulating rules regarding the capture and use of photos and videos, as well as appearance fees for video capture. Enhanced safety measures, such as mandatory cleaning protocols and guidelines for dealing with intoxicated guests, are also part of the agreement.

THE BASEMENT Escape Room Becomes the First One in the World With a Union Contract

Kayden Ressel, the founder and CEO of The Basement, expressed support for the unionization efforts, stating that he recognized the alignment of values between management and employees. Ressel hopes that the finalized contract will set a precedent for other escape rooms and immersive venues. The recognition of the Basement's workers by Actors’ Equity is seen as a positive step towards expanding labor protections in nontraditional entertainment sectors, as the union has been actively working to include performers from various immersive experiences.

Sylmar Escape Room First To Unionize With Actors' Equity

The unionization of The Basement's workers is part of a larger trend within the entertainment industry, where the definition of live performance is evolving. Actors’ Equity has recently extended its organizing efforts to include performers at venues like the Griffith Observatory and the Drunk Shakespeare companies. The success of The Basement may encourage other immersive entertainment groups to seek union representation, potentially reshaping labor standards across the sector.

Sylmar Escape Room First To Unionize With Actors' Equity

Brooke Shields, president of Actors’ Equity, remarked on the challenges of negotiating a first contract without a precedent, emphasizing the significance of the workers' solidarity throughout the process. She stated, “These workers stuck together through a long process, and seeing what they’ve achieved, I’m sure they agree it was worth it. They have made history for a swiftly growing sector of our industry.”

LA TimesTHE BASEMENT Escape Room Becomes the First One in the World With a Union ContractSylmar Escape Room First To Unionize With Actors' Equity

While the unionization has been largely celebrated, some critics argue that the recognition of escape room performers may not be universally applicable across all entertainment sectors. Concerns have been raised about the potential for varying standards and expectations in different types of immersive experiences.

THE BASEMENT Escape Room Becomes the First One in the World With a Union Contract

The Basement's success may prompt other escape rooms and immersive venues to consider unionization, as the industry continues to evolve. Ongoing negotiations for union contracts at other entertainment venues, such as Disneyland and Casa Bonita, highlight the growing movement towards labor organization in the live entertainment sector.

LA Times