By Alfred Branch, Jr.
Weekend negotiations in the ongoing Broadway stagehands strike did not produce a breakthrough, so 27 shows will remain closed through Nov. 25, according to representatives from the League of American Theatres and Producers and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
“Talks between Local One of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and the League of American Theatres and Producers broke off late [Sunday evening]. Just before the talks broke off, the producers informed Local One that what Local One had offered was simply not enough. The producers then walked out. Local One will have no further comment,” Bruce Cohen, spokesperson for the union, said in a statement.
Traditionally, the Thanksgiving holiday week is a cornerstone for strong ticket sales on Broadway, so the strike will have a profound effect on grosses. Officials from both sides entered the weekend negotiations with high hopes for a settlement, but left the table with little to no progress. Among the main sticking points is a disagreement between the two sides on the number of stagehands used during a production.
“We are profoundly disappointed to have to tell you that talks broke off with Local One, IATSE [Sunday night], and that no further negotiations are scheduled, said Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of the producers’ group, in a statement. “We presented a comprehensive proposal that responded to the union’s concerns about loss of jobs and earnings and attempted to address our need for some flexibilities in running our business. The union rejected our effort to compromise and continues to require us to hire more people than we need.”
She added, “Out of respect for our public and our loyal theatergoers, many of whom are traveling from around the world, we regret that we must cancel performances through Sunday November 25.”
