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I Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway - Stagehand Strike

November 11, 2007

The lights are out on Broadway. Broadway stagehands are now on strike for a second day and have been working without a contract since July. No one wins when a strike occurs. Everyone is inconvenienced in the short term - the stagehands, actors, theater goers, restaurants, parking garages, and other local businesses. But, it’s what happens in the long term that matters to the stagehands. Having a fair contract that gives them some security is what it’s all about. Pay cuts are not the answer.

Who’s the real grinch?

Via NPR:

“The first show they chose to strike was How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” St. Martin said. “And we realized that it was just very appropriate that that’s the first one that they would do it for, because they are like the Grinch, stealing the magic of Broadway to all the children and families who are here to see Broadway shows and to kick off their holiday season.”

From Bloomberg.com:

New York loses about $17 million in revenue each day of the strike, said Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of the League of American Theaters and Producers, which represents theater management.

From The London Free Press:

“It’s a sad day for Broadway, but we must remain committed to achieving a fair contract,” said Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of the League of American Theaters and Producers. “Our goal is simple: to pay for workers we need and for work that’s actually performed.”

Keep the faith for Broadway will soon shine again - “We ain’t going anywhere! ~ Billy Joel”

Posted by Rudolph D. Bachraty III | Filed Under Broadway