Behind The Scenes Broadway Tradespeople May Soon Strike
Image Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Any theater kid or musical fanatic can tell you that any Broadway production worth its weight in Tony's will have a spectacular, passionate team behind it. Whether it's make-up, set design, wardrobe, music, or the ever-important role of stagehand, there's always a need for extra hands to make the show extra special. Because of this, it seems fitting that these tradespeople would follow along the growing pattern of creative unions forming strikes for better benefits.
Currently, there are around 1500 IATSE (International Allegiance of Theatrical Stage Employees) union members that work for over 45 different productions, with 28 on Broadway, and are part of a "pink contract". With this contract, they can work for theatrical productions that fit their agreements on proper wages and benefits while employed. At least 75% of the vote offered to go ahead with an authorization that would allow the IATSE union president, Matthew D. Loeb, to stage a labor strike, if necessary.
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Despite the perfect timing to go along with the Writers Guild of America strike and the SAG-AFTRA strikes of both writers and actors respectively, negotiations in regards to these agreements held place a while ago, with their first meeting commencing May 25, 2023. Small steps of progress have slowly been made, with the cards of employer-provided healthcare and tourist-crew housing being dealt onto the proverbial negotiation table. With the growing need for increased wages in all corners of Hollywood, there's still a way to go.
Considering that the IATSE members can now legally be allowed to strike and demand better pay as early as July 28th, it wouldn't be too big of a surprise to see headlines of another labor strike. A few previous members, including President Leob, were seen in picket lines of previous strikes, so they know what to stand for. As Leob himself stated, “We need to show strength and unity to ensure we win the wages, benefits and rights that all members at IATSE have earned and deserve.”
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Source(s): The Hollywood Reporter
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