The union alleges unfair labor practices and retaliation linked to the dismissals, which came as the centre cuts staff ahead of a summer closure for renovations; a spokeswoman declined comment.
Officials say only a bare-bones workforce will remain during the planned two-year shutdown, which is also being challenged in federal court; the labour charge is the first public union legal action.
Is the Kennedy Center's renovation a necessary repair or a pretext to permanently eliminate union jobs?
With multiple lawsuits mounting, can the Kennedy Center's controversial two-year shutdown be stopped before it begins?