2007 Broadway stagehand strike

Last updated

2007 Broadway Stagehands Strike was a strike action by stagehands represented by Theatrical Protective Union Number One (Local One) of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) against the Shubert, Jujamcyn, and Nederlander theaters (represented by League of American Theatres and Producers). The strike (the first in the union's 121-year history) [1] commenced on November 10, 2007, at 10:00 A.M. in New York City. It was the second strike on Broadway in five years (the other was the 2003 Broadway Musicians Strike). [2]

Contents

On November 28, 2007, at 10:30 pm, the two sides announced a settlement to end the strike, with shows beginning the evening of November 29. This was the longest strike to hit Broadway since a 25-day musicians' strike in 1975. [3]

Background

IATSE Local One engages in collective bargaining with the League of American Theatres and Producers (the League), an association of Broadway theater owners and producers.

IATSE Local One was formed in 1886, and represents about 7,000 stagehands and other theater workers in the New York City area. Roughly 450 to 700 of its members work for Broadway theaters, building, installing and operating scenery and sound and lighting equipment. [4]

The League includes nearly every one of the 39 theaters on Broadway. The Jujamcyn Amusement Corporation owns five theaters, The Shubert Organization 17 theaters, and the Nederlander Organization nine theaters. The remaining members of the League ( Disney Theatrical , Live Nation and six nonprofits) each own a single theater. Generally, Jujamcyn and the Shubert Organization are the only owners represented by the League in negotiations. The Nederlander Organization has a separate contract, but a clause in the contract guarantees that its terms and conditions reflect the contract reached with the League. [5] The remaining members engage in individual contract negotiations with IATSE Local One. [6]

Events

The collective bargaining agreement between Local One and the League expired in the summer of 2007. Members of Local One agreed to work without a contract and promised other unions in the entertainment industry that they would not strike until an agreement was reached. In late summer, Local One and the League, representing the Shubert and Jujamcyn theaters with the Nederlander Organization observing, entered into negotiations. [6]

Contract issues

Contract negotiations generally focused on work rules. Broadway shows offer a standard eight performances per week ("performance calls"), each of which lasts three to four hours. Additionally, there are "load-ins" (periods during which a show moves into a theater), rehearsals, "maintenance calls" (during which scenery, lighting and sound equipment are serviced, repaired and maintained), and opportunities for overtime. The League has accused the union of using its contract to secure featherbedding, a practice made illegal by the federal Taft-Hartley Act. Among the work rule changes sought by the League were:

Many labor relations experts said[ citation needed ] that the negotiations were not about work rules or economics, but the relative power of the two sides. Producers, who pay the theater owners, are also part of the League, and for the first time they took a vocal and active role in pushing for contract changes in order to break the union's control over theater management. Subsequently the League established a $20 million "defense fund" to help theaters weather a strike. [1] In response, the union established a $4 million fund to help its members during a possible job action. [6]

Negotiations and strike

Contract negotiations stalled between the two parties and the league threatened Local One with a lockout if it would not comply with their demands. On October 21, Local One held a special meeting and its membership voted to authorize the executive board of the union to take any action deemed necessary, including but not limited to a strike, in order to reach an agreement between the two parties. [7]

In late October 2007, talks between Local One and the League again ended in a stalemate. On October 16, the League imposed a portion of its final offer (primarily, the proposals regarding new work rules) on the union. For two weeks Local One worked under these rules before talks with the League resumed. [8] The following day, the Nederlander Organization announced it would not join the Jujamcyn or Schubert owners in imposing the final offer on the union. [9]

On November 8, talks with the League resumed, this time including Thomas C. Short, international president of IATSE, for part of the negotiation session. After seeing progress being made, President Short left the talks early to assist members affected by the 2007 Writers Guild of America strike. After his departure, the negotiations once more ground to a halt. On the evening of November 9, Local One President James Claffey, Jr. was directed by International President Short to begin a strike on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 10:00 AM Eastern time. [10]

Negotiations resumed between both sides on November 17, 2007 but broke off the following day. All performances of the affected Broadway shows were canceled through November 25. Negotiations between the League and Local One resumed on November 25. [11]

Negotiations continued November 26 and November 27. The first bargaining session began November 25, and lasted 20 hours. It recessed at dawn on November 26, and resumed later that evening. A 13-hour bargaining session lasted through the night into the early morning hours of November 27. The two sides agreed on work rules regarding "load-in"—the period when productions are moved into theaters. Talks concerning work rules governing rehearsals and other kinds of work progressed only slowly and incrementally. Economic issues, such as wages, had yet to be seriously discussed. Although producers canceled all shows through Wednesday, November 28, observers noted that the talks had only taken a break and had not appeared to actually break off. [12]

Strike's end

Both sides applauded the agreement. The union and League agreed to flexibility in the ability to dismiss stagehands during load-in, so long as there was a daily minimum of 17 stagehands on duty at all times. The parties also agreed to extend the continuity call to two hours before or after a performance. However, employees who work the post-performance continuity call earn double pay for the first hour of the two-hour continuity call. Union members also won raises significantly higher than the 3.5 percent increase the League had publicly offered. [3]

The strike was a costly one. At least one estimate placed losses by theater owners and producers at $34.8 million through Sunday, November 25. The New York City comptroller's office said the city had lost another $40 million in revenue through November 28. [3]

Unions Honoring the Strike

Below is a list of unions and IATSE Locals honoring Local One's strike:

Effects of the strike

The first show to be affected by the strike was Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at the St. James Theatre. Stagehands reported to work at their normal time, and after one hour of working left the building and formed picket lines outside. However, because the controlling contract fell outside the union dispute, pickets in front of the theater ended. [12]

The strike halted business for all other affected shows. However, unaffected Broadway shows, various Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway productions, and other live entertainment such as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Wintuk , all experienced a boom in sales and attendance. [2]

The impact of the strike was severe. The New York City Comptroller estimated that the city had lost $2 million a day in tax revenue because of the strike. Many businesses in and around Times Square also suffered significant financial losses. [13] The charity group Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS saw a dramatic drop in donations due to the strike, because it normally relies on donations from theater patrons after performances. [14] BC/EFA launched an internet donation campaign called "Team Raiser" to offset losses. During the 2007 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Legally Blonde was the only show performing that was affected by the strike. As a result, instead of performing the show in full costumes, the cast wore merchandise T-shirts.

Below is a list of shows affected and unaffected by the strike. All Off- and Off-Off-Broadway shows were unaffected.

Running shows affected by the strike

Affected shows that resolved their dispute

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical was originally part of the strike, and shut down on November 10 like the other affected shows. The producers of this show were not members of the League, and because of the show's special schedule they had negotiated a separate contract with Local One that was not in dispute. On November 19, the union authorized its members return to work on the show. [16] However, the owners of the St. James Theater, Jujamcyn Theatres, locked out both producers and stagehands, keeping the show closed. [17] The producers then sought an injunction in the Manhattan Supreme Court to force the owners to reopen the theater, and on November 21 the judge granted the injunction, allowing the show to re-open on Friday, November 23 at 11:00 AM. [16] [18] Jujamcyn Theatres had planned to appeal the ruling, but dropped the case, allowing Grinch to play its entire run.

Shows in previews affected by the strike

Broadway shows not affected

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Actors' Equity Association</span> American labor union for theater performers

The Actors' Equity Association (AEA), commonly called Actors' Equity or simply Equity, is an American labor union representing those who work in live theatrical performance. Performers appearing in live stage productions without a book or through-storyline may be represented by the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA). The AEA works to negotiate quality living conditions, livable wages, and benefits for performers and stage managers. A theater or production that is not produced and performed by AEA members may be called "non-Equity".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Broadway theatre</span> Type of theatre in New York City

Broadway theatre, or Broadway, is a theatre genre that consists of the theatrical performances presented in 41 professional theaters, each with 500 or more seats, in the Theater District and Lincoln Center along Broadway, in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Broadway and London's West End together represent the highest commercial level of live theater in the English-speaking world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees</span> North American labor union

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada, known as simply the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, is a North American labor union representing over 168,000 technicians, artisans, and craftspersons in the entertainment industry, including live theatre, motion picture and television production, broadcast and trade shows in the United States, its territories, and Canada. It was awarded the Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre in 1993.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">August Wilson Theatre</span> Broadway theater in Manhattan, New York

The August Wilson Theatre is a Broadway theater at 245 West 52nd Street in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City. Opened in 1925, the theater was designed by C. Howard Crane and Kenneth Franzheim and was built for the Theatre Guild. It is named for Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson (1945–2005). The August Wilson has approximately 1,225 seats across two levels and is operated by ATG Entertainment. The facade is a New York City designated landmark.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St. James Theatre</span> Broadway theater in Manhattan, New York

The St. James Theatre, originally Erlanger's Theatre, is a Broadway theater at 246 West 44th Street in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City. Opened in 1927, it was designed by Warren and Wetmore in a neo-Georgian style and was constructed for A. L. Erlanger. It has 1,709 seats across three levels and is operated by ATG Entertainment. Both the facade and the auditorium interior are New York City landmarks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stagehand</span> Person who works backstage at a performance

A stagehand is a person who works backstage or behind the scenes in theatres, film, television, or location performance. Their work include setting up the scenery, lights, sound, props, rigging, and special effects for a production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walter Kerr Theatre</span> Broadway theater in Manhattan, New York

The Walter Kerr Theatre, previously the Ritz Theatre, is a Broadway theater at 219 West 48th Street in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City. The theater was designed by Herbert J. Krapp and was constructed for the Shubert brothers in 1921. The venue, renamed in 1990 after theatrical critic Walter Kerr, has 975 seats across three levels and is operated by ATG Entertainment. The facade is plainly designed and is made of patterned brick. The auditorium contains Adam-style detailing, two balconies, and murals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nederlander Theatre</span> Broadway theater in Manhattan, New York

The Nederlander Theatre is a Broadway theater at 208 West 41st Street in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City. Opened in 1921, it was designed by William Neil Smith for theatrical operator Walter C. Jordan. It has around 1,235 seats across two levels and is operated by the Nederlander Organization. Since 1980, it has been named for American theater impresario David Tobias Nederlander, father of theatrical producer James M. Nederlander. It is the southernmost Broadway theater in the Theater District.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jujamcyn Theaters</span> American theatrical producer and theatre owner

Jujamcyn Theaters LLC, formerly the Jujamcyn Amusement Corporation, is a theatrical producing and theatre-ownership company in New York City. For many years Jujamcyn was owned by James H. Binger, former Chairman of Honeywell, and his wife, Virginia McKnight Binger. The organization is now held by its president, Jordan Roth, and president emeritus, Rocco Landesman.

<i>Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical</i> Musical

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, or simply How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, is a seasonal musical stage adaptation of the 1957 Dr. Seuss book How the Grinch Stole Christmas!. Versions of the musical have been produced since the 1990s, including a Broadway production that ran during two Christmas seasons.

The Broadway League, formerly the League of American Theatres and Producers and League of New York Theatres and Producers, is the national trade association for the Broadway theatre industry based in New York City. Its members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers in New York and more than 250 other North American cities, as well as suppliers of goods and services to the theatre industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2007–08 Writers Guild of America strike</span> American media labor dispute

From November 5, 2007 to February 12, 2008, all 12,000 film and television screenwriters of the American labor unions Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE), and Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) went on strike.

The 2003 Broadway musicians strike was a strike by the Associated Musicians of Greater New York, American Federation of Musicians Local 802 union members, and other Broadway unions such as Actors' Equity Association and International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. The strike lasted from Friday, March 7, 2003, to early Tuesday morning, March 11, 2003.

Broadway Across America (BAA) is a presenter and producer of live theatrical events in the United States and Canada since 1982. It is currently owned by the John Gore Organization, which purchased it from Live Nation in 2008.

The John Gore Organization (JGO), formerly known as Key Brand Entertainment (KBE), is a producer and distributor of live theater in North America, as well as an e-commerce company, focused on theater. KBE was founded in the UK in 2004 by 14-time Tony Award-winning Producer John Gore who is the company's Chairman, CEO and Owner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jordan Roth</span> American theater producer (born 1975)

Jordan Roth is an American theater producer. He is the president and majority owner of Jujamcyn Theaters in New York City. Roth oversees five Broadway theatres including the St. James, Al Hirschfeld, August Wilson, Eugene O'Neill, and the Walter Kerr.

James M. Nederlander was an American theatrical producer who served as chairman of the Nederlander Organization, one of the largest operators of live theaters and music venues in the United States. He was a 10-time Tony Award winner and was nominated for 37 Tony Awards.

The Producer's Perspective is a theater blog written and founded by Broadway producer Ken Davenport that was launched in October 2007.

Joseph Zachary Nederlander was an American theater owner and operator who served as the executive vice president of the Nederlander Organization, one of the largest live theater owners and producers in the United States.

The 1982 animators' strike was a labor strike conducted by American animators in the Greater Los Angeles area. The strike, organized by the Motion Picture Screen Cartoonists Local 839, was caused by disagreements between the labor union and studios over runaway productions, a term referring to outsourcing production work to outside of the metropolitan area. The strike ran from August to October and ended in failure for the union, who failed to win concessions from the studios.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Steven Greenhouse and Campbell Robertson, "In Broadway Dispute, Questions of Fairness," New York Times, November 25, 2007.
  2. 1 2 Gans, Andrew (November 14, 2007). "Day 5: Most of Broadway Remains Dark". Playbill. Archived from the original on November 16, 2007. Retrieved November 22, 2007.
  3. 1 2 3 Robertson, Campbell (November 29, 2007). "Stagehands End Walkout on Broadway". New York Times. Retrieved November 29, 2007.
  4. 1 2 Campbell Robertson, "Broadway's Showdown: The Lowdown," New York Times, November 14, 2007.
  5. This is known as a "me too" contract.
  6. 1 2 3 Campbell Robertson, "Stagehands Bracing for Broadway Showdown," New York Times, July 26, 2007.
  7. Campbell Robertson, "Broadway, Next Week: Shows or Lockouts?", New York Times, September 26, 2007; "Theater Labor Talks Continue," New York Times, September 30, 2007; Campbell Robertson, "Manhattan: Broadway Talks Extended," New York Times, October 5, 2007; Campbell Robertson, "Broadway Shutdown Looms As Talks Reach an Impasse," New York Times, October 10, 2007; "Broadway's Labor Impasse Continues," New York Times, October 11, 2007.
  8. Campbell Robertson, "Broadway Strike Possible as Producers Impose Their Rules," New York Times, October 17, 2007.
  9. Campbell Robertson, "Development In Theater Standoff," New York Times, October 19, 2007.
  10. Campbell Robertson, "With Talks Stalled, Stagehands' Union Authorizes a Strike," New York Times, October 22, 2007; Campbell Robertson, "As Stagehands Strike, Shows Don't Go On," New York Times, November 11, 2007.
  11. Gans, Andrew; Hetrick, Adam (November 26, 2007). "Day 17: Talks Adjourn, But Negotiations Will Resume Evening of Nov. 26". Playbill. Archived from the original on November 28, 2007. Retrieved November 26, 2007.
  12. 1 2 Campbell Robertson, "Broadway Talks Break Up Without a Deal," New York Times, November 27, 2007.
  13. Campbell Robertson, "On Broadway, Gloom Hangs Over Holidays," New York Times, November 20, 2007.
  14. Viola, Tom."Strike News Release" BroadwayCares.org, November 12, 2007 Archived April 14, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  15. Gans, Andrew (November 11, 2007). "Duran Duran Will Play Final "Broadway" Shows at Roseland Ballroom". Playbill. Archived from the original on November 13, 2007. Retrieved November 22, 2007.
  16. 1 2 Gans, Andrew (November 21, 2007). "UPDATE: Grinch Will Reopen at the St. James Theatre Nov. 23". Playbill. Archived from the original on November 23, 2007. Retrieved November 22, 2007.
  17. Papa, Juliet (November 19, 2007). "'Grinch' Won't Reopen Until Dispute on Broadway Ends". 1010 Wins. Archived from the original on November 22, 2007. Retrieved November 22, 2007.
  18. Barnard, Anne."Broadway Now Brighter as 'The Grinch' Reopens" The New York Times, November 24, 2007.
  19. Gans, Andrew (November 20, 2007). "Little Mermaid Postpones Broadway Opening". Playbill. Archived from the original on November 22, 2007. Retrieved November 21, 2007.