Dallas Black Dance Theatre agrees to pay $500,000 to former union workers after termination.

In August, the Dallas Black Dance Theatre made a controversial decision to fire ten of their dancers. However, after months of negotiations, the company has finally reached a settlement with these dancers, agreeing to pay them $500,000. This news was reported by NBC DFW on December 22nd. The American Guild of Musical Artists, who had called for an investigation into the company's actions, described the settlement as "historic" in its scope.

The agency responsible for brokering the settlement, the American Guild of Musical Artists, had found merit in the complaints made by the dancers regarding the company's unfair labor practices. The dancers had joined the union in May, and just a few months later, they were fired by DBDT. The company claimed that the reason for their termination was a social media post. However, the dancers believe that their unionization was the real cause of their dismissals. They allege that the company retaliated by taking away their benefits, cutting teaching opportunities, and ultimately firing them.

In a joint statement, the dancers expressed their relief at finally receiving some closure through this settlement. However, they also recognize that this is just one step in their fight for accountability and justice at DBDT. They believe that there is still more work to be done in holding the company accountable for their actions.

The controversial social media post in question featured the dancers participating in a trend where members of a group are introduced over the "Family Matters" theme song. According to DBDT officials, this post violated the theater's policy, which the dancers had agreed to when they joined the company.

Many people believe that the terminations were a direct result of the dancers' decision to join the union. In response to this, the Dallas City Council committee voted to withhold $248,000 in funding from DBDT. They cited concerns that the company was engaging in "union-busting" by firing the dancers after they had voted to unionize earlier in the year. However, last week, the committee showed a willingness to redirect the funding to other arts organizations in need within the city.

According to a Wednesday agenda item for the Dallas City Council, the funding may be restored if the National Labor Relations Board clears DBDT of any wrongdoing or if the company reaches a settlement with AGMA. As part of the settlement, the ten terminated dancers and three others whose job offers had been rescinded will receive over $560,000 in back pay, front pay, and compensation for damages. The company will also be required to issue apology letters to the dancers and work with an NLRB agent to provide training for managers, supervisors, and employees.

While the dancers are grateful for the closure that this settlement brings, they understand that their fight is far from over. They remain committed to seeking accountability and justice at DBDT. This settlement is just one step in their journey, and they hope that it will bring about positive changes within the company.

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