Suntrapp workers blame owner for bar closure, citing ‘unfair labor practice, coercive policies’

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Employees of The Suntrapp, a popular LGBTQ+ bar in Salt Lake City that closed its doors this Halloween, are placing blame on the bar’s owner for its closure, citing unfair labor practices.

Owner Mary Peterson issued a statement on Oct. 31, claiming the government shutdown prevented an election process among Suntrapp employees pushing for unionization and that consistent protests made it “impossible” for the bar to remain open. Those who worked there see it differently.

Suntrapp Workers Unite issued their own statement on Sunday, Nov. 2, saying that they are heartbroken by Peterson’s decision to close the bar, and that the closure is a result of her actions, not theirs.

“We are heartbroken that Mary Peterson has decided to close the doors of The Suntrapp,” the statement reads. “But make no mistake: this closure is the direct result of her decision to engage in a series of unfair labor practices rather than work with the very employees who make this historic space thrive.”

Suntrapp employees reportedly delivered a letter to Peterson in late Sept., requesting voluntary recognition and a fair process. The employees claim Peterson’s response was “to institute a wave of new, punitive policies clearly designed to intimate and entrap staff,” the statement reads.

“Shortly afterward, she fired our head of security — a key union supporter who had been present for the delivery of our letter — in blatant retaliation for protected union activity,” the statement continues. “This is a choice, not an inevitability.”

Workers said they did not strike on a whim or to demand instant recognition. They claim they were forced into a ULP (Unfair Labor Practice) strike after “management’s coercive actions made it impossible to work safely, lawfully, and with dignity.”

“Through every step of this strike we have made attempts to negotiate with management,” the statement reads. “Mary Peterson has a clear path forward: rescind the illegal firing, roll back the coercive policies, and allow a fair election to proceed.”

Employees said Peterson has instead “splurged” on lawyers, additional security, and “the cost of her pride in lost business.”

“Closing the bar and blaming the workers for problems she could solve at literally no cost is bewildering,” they said. “We organized out of love for The Suntrapp and the community it represents. We expected Mary Peterson to respect us — the workers who make her bar run — or at least to behave as a rational actor in this.”

“We want to preserve The Suntrapp’s legacy as a safe, inclusive space for everyone. And it still can be: Mary can still correct these illegal practices and have a functional, busy, and safe bar tomorrow,” the statement reads. “All she needs to do is reverse her unfair labor practices and allow us to proceed to a fair election. We will be happy to return to work in the meantime!”

ABC4 has reached out to Mary Peterson for a response.