JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Employees of Epic Theatres in Jacksonville say they fear for their safety after multiple interactions with customers threatening or acting on physical violence towards staff.
First Coast News obtained video footage of violence in the theater lobby on July 10. Video shows a customer running with a broom and hitting an employee with it. Another guest then punches an employee trying to restrain them. Another customer is also seen spitting at an employee.
According to the incident report, the suspect was a juvenile and received a citation for battery.
One of the concerned employees we spoke to shared the video but did not feel comfortable speaking publicly. Attorney James Poindexter says employees do have rights in this kind of situation.
"They can file a claim with OSHA and report it as an occupational safety hazard. OSHA has investigators. Generally, they can do a site visit and take pictures, meet with employees meet with management, collect evidence, and if there is a violation of the statute, then they can issue penalties," Poindexter said.
Records from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office show police have been called to Epic Theatres Oakleaf location more than 30 times since 2021 for violent disputes, trespassing, assault, theft, vandalism and noise complaints.
One employee says the theater does not have security and most staff members are teenagers or in college. Poindexter says if it's not in the job description, employees shouldn't take on that responsibility.
"Is the employer being negligent by not having security? In situations where there is a documented pattern of criminal behavior, or violent behavior and the employer is on notice of that, that's where OSHA can come in and say, 'look, this is a recognized hazard.' You should take steps to remediate it and issue citations and other corrective measures to make sure that happens," Poindexter said.
According to an email we obtained, employees suffered injuries from Monday's incident, but because the theater is short-staffed, they cannot take time off to recover.
"Employees who are injured on job do have protections. They are able to file workers compensation claims. There are statutory protections for individuals who file workers compensation claims that they can't be retaliated against," Poindexter said.
Staff say the incidents have been reported to the company, but no changes have been made and aren't happy with pay or actions taken by management. First Coast News reached out to both Epic Theatres corporate office and district manager and have not gotten a response as of Thursday night.
"The time for reporting safety issues in the workplace, is anytime that an employee feels that those conditions are unsafe in any situation. For any employee who's thinking about blowing the whistle, it's important to go and speak with an attorney who can give you advice on how to appropriately do it," Poindexter said.