LAKEVIEW — Berlin Nightclub workers are calling on customers to boycott the popular LGBTQ+ bar as they push for their first contract.
The workers held a rally Wednesday night outside the club, 954 W. Belmont Ave., where they reiterated requests that Berlin’s owners provide them health insurance and wage increases. They asked Berlin customers to stay away until they have a contract.
About 50 people marched on the sidewalk outside the club’s doors, carrying signs that read, “Queer + Trans workers are worth more than minimum wage,” and chanting phrases like, “Queer liberation, not exploitation.”
The workers unionized six months ago with Unite Here Local 1. Berlin owners Jim Schuman and Jo Webster recently rejected any wage or benefit increase beyond the legal minimum wage, according to the union.
Drag artist Irregular Girl, co-host of Berlin’s popular show “Strapped,” was among the performers who joined Wednesday’s rally, pledging solidarity with the boycott.
“Berlin has always often been a sanctuary for trans people in Chicago who do not feel safe in many other places,” Irregular Girl said. “The crowd reflects that, the performers reflect that and the programming reflects that.
“All of that is due to the hard work of the workers, many of whom are transgender themselves, all of whom are queer and all of whom are being mistreated and underpaid by Jim Schuman and Jo Webster.”
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