Workers at South Park creators’ restaurant strike over unfair labor practices.

Workers at Casa Bonita, a unique restaurant in Lakewood, Colorado, owned by the creators of the iconic animated series “South Park,” have officially initiated a strike. All 57 union members, comprising diverse roles such as divers, magicians, and puppeteers, began their protest on Thursday after negotiations with the restaurant management failed to yield satisfactory outcomes.

Represented by the Actors’ Equity Association, the performers are advocating for improved wages, enhanced safety measures, and additional benefits designed to foster more sustainable working conditions. The strike emerged after management allegedly offered an insufficient wage increase of merely 11 cents atop their previous already criticized pay proposal. Discussions surrounding the workers’ contract, which began in April following a vote to unionize in November of the prior year, have been contentious.

The union stated that management had not only provided minimal concessions but had also walked away from negotiations without further dialogue, showcasing a lack of willingness to address the workers’ needs. The striking workers argue that the disparity in wages highlights a broader issue of devaluation faced by performers compared to their counterparts, such as servers and bartenders, who receive more equitable pay.

Adding to the tension, the union, known as Casa Bonita United, lodged a complaint regarding unfair labor practices after the restaurant reportedly reduced over 1,000 hours of work for its members. This reduction was allegedly an attempt to facilitate a Halloween-themed pop-up event for the month of October, which the union claims violates legal requirements for proper negotiation on work conditions during ongoing contract discussions.

Even high-profile figures, including Actors’ Equity President Brooke Shields, have voiced support for the workers, emphasizing the importance of respect for the performers who contribute significantly to Casa Bonita’s unique appeal.

Despite the labor action, Casa Bonita plans to maintain its operations during the strike, offering patrons incentives such as free drinks or arcade tickets to ensure customer satisfaction. The restaurant’s management has expressed its commitment to the well-being of all team members but has refrained from commenting on the specifics of the ongoing labor negotiations.

Having undergone a significant renovation in 2021 after being purchased for million, Casa Bonita has long been a local attraction since its opening in 1974. It gained further visibility through its inclusion in a 2003 episode of “South Park” and the recent documentary titled “Casa Bonita Mi Amor!” Neither Parker nor Stone has made any public comments regarding the labor dispute, however, their ownership raises further attention to the unfolding situation at this beloved restaurant.