Labor joust in NJ: Medieval Times workers will vote on joining union

LYNDHURST — The latest New Jersey employees to consider unionizing are possibly the only ones who work out of a castle.

A group of 40 actors, stunt performers and stable hands at the Lyndhurst location of Medieval Times, a medieval-themed dinner theater show, have joined with the American Guild of Variety Artists.

The collective has dubbed itself Medieval Times Performers United.

A July 15 vote has been slated during an in-person National Labor Relations Board-facilitated election.

Medieval Times has struggled with staffing, security and safety after reopening from its COVID-19 pandemic closure, according to a written statement from organizing committee members.

The workers also are seeking a pay increase to “keep up with” similar positions in the industry and what is “necessary for a living wage in Lyndhurst.”

“We are the actors, stunt performers, and stable hands of Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, New Jersey joining together in union to create a fairer, safer, and more enjoyable workplace. With a supermajority of support, we are excited to be forming our union with the American Guild of Variety Artists,” the organizers said in a tweet, ahead of the vote.

The New Jersey Medieval Times castle is among 10 locations in North America — including one in Toronto.

Erin Vogt is a reporter and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach her at erin.vogt@townsquaremedia.com

Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story.