"Today's strike authorization vote is a typical part of the bargaining process with Local One.
“The League wants the theatergoing public to know that all shows will continue to perform until and unless Local One walks out. No one at the League wants Broadway to go dark. The responsibility for a decision to shut down Broadway rests squarely with Local One.
“As it has done twice during the two most recent negotiations, Local One has, once again, threatened to strike during the busy holiday season when the harm would be most severe -- hurting theatergoers, tourists from around the world, hard working waiters, cab drivers, hotel workers and others who rely on the industry to make a living, the City's economy, and most of all, the actors, musicians and other employees of Broadway.
“The League remains committed to our final contract offer. The “featherbedding” practices of the past are simply no longer acceptable.
Our position is clear: no work, no pay.
“The final contract we have offered Local One ensures that the stagehands are still the highest paid theatrical workers in the world -- with many making upwards of $200,000 or more.
“Local One not only rejected our offer, but their counter-offer would require us to pay even more people to do nothing. Under Local One's proposal, costs for new musicals would rise by 30% and for plays would rise by 44%. This is indefensible in an industry with a financial failure rate of 80%.
“If the Union is willing to deal with the issues in our final offer, we are available to listen. The League's members remain united in our commitment to achieve positive change and a fair contract."
