Encore on Broadway: Stagehands Return for Talks
By Linda Winer, Newsday, Melville, N.Y.
Nov. 7–Broadway stagehands and the League of American Theatres and Producers return to the negotiating table today.
This is the first meeting in the contentious labor talks since Oct. 9, when the union turned down what theater owners and producers called their “final offer.”
If theaters do go dark, it will not likely happen until during or after Thanksgiving weekend. On Oct. 22, when Local One, the 121-year-old union, voted unanimously to authorize a strike, president James J. Claffey vowed, “No work in December without a deal.”
To strike, Local One needs the ratification of the international union. Today’s meeting is considered especially significant because Tom Short, head of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, will attend. Local One has also voted a resolution for a “work stoppage,” which, unlike a strike, would not have to be ratified by the international union.
The union, which includes between 350-500 electricians, carpenters, prop workers, sound designers and movers, has been working without a contract since it expired at the end of July.
Tension has been raised since the day after the strike vote, when the League, representing 22 houses owned by the Shubert Organization and Jujamcyn, began implementing parts of its rejected contract.
Major points of disagreement include what the League considers inflexible work rules — some of which were set before computerized stage technology. The union contends that its staffing numbers are essential for safety in an increasingly complex spectacle-driven Broadway.
Thus far, implemented changes include the size of crews after a production opening, reduction of the number of electricians, overtime hiring requirements, the flexibility of meal periods and pay for canceled performances.
A representative for Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of the League, said she will only confirm that meetings are scheduled for today, tomorrow and Friday. A representative for the union will only confirm that a meeting is scheduled for today.
The economic impact of a strike is estimated at $5 million a day.
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