Today, Tuesday, November 27th, 2007 marks the 18th day of the of the Local One, IATSE, Broadway Stagehands Union Strike against the League of American Theaters and Producers and it was another "all nighter" at the negotiating table. We are getting really really close here, people. Talks between the two sides started back up on Sunday night, they worked through the night and then took a break Monday morning.
When they broke Monday morning, Bruce Cohen, a spokesman for the Local One Union said, "Progress was made in the 20 hours of negotiations Sunday morning to 6 a.m. Monday. Each side is being very creative and imaginative as the search is made to find compromise. But, with all of us looking into each other's the bleary eyes as the sun was rising over Times Square, the decision was made to adjourn, get some sleep and come back tonight with clear heads and, hopefully, new ideas." (this from the Associated Press)
Last night at 6:30pm Local One and The League went back to the table and the New York Times and NY1 are reporting this a.m. that the discussion went through the night again! What are they talking about! Ugh!
When I went to bed last night I was certain (as were many others) that there would be an exciting morning announcement that the strike was over, but that does not seem to be the case. The good news is that things seem very promising.
The NY Times had this to say, "The two sides have come to an agreement on the rules that apply to the load-in, the costly and often lengthy period when productions are moved into theaters. But they are still bargaining over the rules governing rehearsals and other kinds of work calls for productions that are up and running. Wage increases, usually one of the final issues in a labor negotiation, have yet to be seriously discussed, people involved in the talks said."
And NY1 is reporting that, "Sources tell NY1 that the sticking points remain mopping of the stage and continuity hours - the hours worked at the beginning and end of a stagehand's shift."
This is all very good news. I think we are close to a deal. My best guess is that in the next hour or so they will decide to take another break and then settle this thing on Tuesday evening. Wait, isn't that what I predicted yesterday? My psychic powers aren't very trustworthy at this point, I am afraid. I will keep checking the progress of this today and get back to you with any news or updates!
In related news; Jujamcyn has dropped its appeal against Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. The show will continue its holiday run with no further interruptions. Whoo Haaa, Whoo Haaa!
Also, way across the country in Hollywood where another group of folks are striking; talks restarted Monday morning between the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. This writers' strike is expecting to go on for months, but it would be very nice if there was some early movement in these talks and things got settled before Christmas.
I will keep you updated through out the day! Keep those fingers crossed!
~ See You On The Aisle
Reader Comments
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I just read a breaking story that the talks broke down... This is really sad. Maybe you need to be a mediator for them????
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