Published: October 17, 2007
Broadway producers and theater owners announced yesterday that they were imposing portions of their final contract offer on the stagehands beginning Monday.
That decision, coming while talks between the producers and Local 1, the stagehands’ union, are at a standstill, may increase the possibility of a strike, which would leave most of Broadway dark.
The portions being implemented are some of the proposed new rules that give producers flexibility in deciding when stagehands are needed, and how many are needed. The wage increases in the offer will not take effect.
“We are forced to implement because Local 1 will not pursue meaningful change,” Charlotte St. Martin, the executive director of the League of American Theaters and Producers, said in a statement.
James J. Claffey Jr., the president of the union, said he was informed of the league’s decision in a phone call from Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. Mr. Claffey said he “respectfully declined” the mayor’s offer to help out in the talks.
“Local 1 is in negotiations with the league, and we will continue to try to negotiate with them,” Mr. Claffey said.
Last week, the League of American Theaters and Producers put what it called its final offer on the table; the union responded with an offer in response, which the league rejected out of hand. Since then, the sides have been at an impasse.
The stagehands will hold a strike vote on Sunday, an event that has gained in significance now that the league has chosen to impose the contract.
courtesy of the New York Times
1 comment:
October 17, 2007
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Please be advised that President James J. Claffey, Jr. received a phone call from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Tuesday, October 16th at approximately 7:00 p.m. During the conversation, Mayor Bloomberg informed President Claffey that a representative of the League of American Theatres and Producers had called the Mayor and informed him that they would declare a partial implementation of their final offer on Wednesday, October 17th. A later statement by the League stated that the partial implementation would occur on Monday, October 22nd.
Mayor Bloomberg offered his services to mediate and/or bring both parties together in hopes of resolving the situation. President Claffey respectfully declined the Mayor's kind offer and informed him of the Special Membership Meeting scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 21st. President Claffey further advised the Mayor that Local One will continue to negotiate the contract on its own. Finally, he assured the Mayor that Local One would advise him prior to taking any action in defense of the 3,000 Local One members and their families and only after exhausting all measures at the bargaining table.
It is absolutely essential that all Brothers and Sisters of Local One conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner at all times in all Broadway theatres and throughout the jurisdiction. The respect, which we have always shown all members of our industry and for which we are famous, will serve us especially well now. The proud history of our Union stands as an inspiration to propel us to new heights and guarantee a solid future.
In Solidarity,
Robert C. Score
Recording-Corresponding Secretary
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