Employees at one of Seattle’s most iconic live music venues are taking a major step toward improving workplace conditions. Security staff at Neumos, along with employees connected to Barboza and The Runaway, have officially announced the formation of the Neumos Security Union, filing for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) as they seek better wages, safer staffing levels, and improved working conditions. The announcement marks the latest chapter in a year-long organizing effort that has gained widespread support from Seattle’s music community and labor organizations. The newly formed union follows months of advocacy by Neumos Workers United, a broader employee-led organization representing workers across multiple departments. Because federal labor law requires security guards to organize separately from other employees in most cases, venue security staff formed their own dedicated union while continuing to support the broader workplace campaign.
According to organizers, one of the biggest concerns has been chronic understaffing, which workers say has left employees and concertgoers at risk during busy shows. Union supporters argue that adequate staffing is essential for maintaining safe environments at live events, particularly at popular venues that frequently host sold-out concerts. Workers have also called for higher wages, explaining that current compensation has struggled to keep pace with Seattle’s rising cost of living. Earlier demands from Neumos Workers United included increasing base pay for security staff, ensuring legally required meal and rest breaks, correcting payroll issues, and improving access to safety equipment such as radios, flashlights, and uniforms. Organizers say some progress has already been made through discussions with management, but they believe formal union representation is the best path toward long-term improvements.
The organizing effort reflects a broader trend of labor activism across Seattle’s entertainment industry. In recent years, employees at museums, music venues, restaurants, and cultural institutions throughout the city have increasingly pursued union representation to negotiate wages, workplace safety, scheduling, and benefits. Organizers say the Neumos Security Union represents approximately 40 security employees working across Neumos, Barboza, and The Runaway, all operated by Fokus Industries. During the public announcement, workers emphasized that “safe venues start with safe staffing,” arguing that protecting employees also helps create safer experiences for artists and fans attending performances. The campaign has also received public support from members of Seattle’s independent music community, local businesses, and patrons who view Neumos as one of the city’s most influential live music venues.
The next major step in the process will be an NLRB-supervised union election, where eligible security employees will vote on whether the Neumos Security Union will become their official bargaining representative. If approved, union leaders and management would begin negotiating a collective bargaining agreement covering wages, staffing, workplace safety, and other employment conditions. For many workers, the effort isn’t about changing what makes Neumos special—it’s about ensuring the people behind the scenes have the resources needed to keep one of Seattle’s premier music venues operating safely and successfully. Organizers have repeatedly said they love the venue and want to see it continue thriving while providing fair and sustainable jobs for the staff who help make every show possible.
As Seattle’s live music industry continues evolving, the outcome of this organizing campaign could become an important moment not only for Neumos employees but also for workers across the region’s entertainment sector.
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