One Strike Over – One More To Go

The union representing stagehands and theater support staff, and leaders of the group representing Broadway theater owners and producers have come to an amicable agreement bringing an end to the strike that has virtually shut down the Great White Way for nearly three weeks. The strike ended up costing New York City and Broadway millions of dollars of revenue, according to The New York Times.

Coming out of the closed door meetings, the executive director for the League of American Theaters and Producers, Charlotte St. Martin, stated that theaters will reopen and “performances begin tomorrow night.”

In a written statement to the press St. Martin said, “the contract is a good compromise that serves our industry.”

Speaking to the assembled stagehands Local 1 President of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, James J. Claffey, Jr. told those gathered outside, “You represented yourselves and your families and your union proud.”

A vote from all the membership on the new 5-year agreement will take place in 10 days, but passage is expected without incident.

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg called the agreement “great news not just for everyone who earns their living on or around Broadway, but for everyone who lives in, works in, or visits New York City.”