Broadway Stagehands Go On Strike

Dozens of Broadway theatres are dark today and will be until further notice due to a stagehand strike. Stagehands have been negotiating contracts with producers since July, mostly dealing with pay cuts and job losses. Producers are looking to make a 38% cut in the amount of jobs for each show, along with a 38% cut in wages. Absolutely ridiculous! I one of the statements released by the IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) the union argues that unlike the producers, the stagehands are not fighting wage and job cuts to maintain a third and fourth house; they are fighting to maintain their home and support their families. The strike is not anticipated to be a long one, it will probably only last the weekend, if that. The producers will most likely compromise so that the theatres do not continue to lose money. Broadway is a billion dollar industry, it can afford to pay its workers. Contrary to what the producers think, these cuts will do nothing to lessen the cost of tickets for patrons, it is simply a way for the producers to make more money off of the shows.
Let's hope this all gets sorted out quickly! Go IATSE, Oneonta is supporting you!