STAGE TUBE: Will Actors & Stage Hands Join In Potential Broadway Strike?

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, it's been over five years since a strike has threatened Broadway, but according to the Associated Press, if a new contract for the 32BJ union isn't approved soon, that's how December might end. Now the question is whether actors and stage hands will join the strike. Click below to watch a news report on the issue.

32BJ is the largest property service workers union in the United States, representing more than 120,000 members. Its members are office cleaners, security officers, doormen, porters, maintenance workers, bus drivers and aides, window cleaners, school cleaners and food service workers.

Members from the union took part in a rally outside of the Times Square office of the Broadway League earlier today, to encourage its leaders 'to call a strike if a new contract isn't approved by the end of the month,' including higher pay and improved healthcare benefits. Such a strike would affect 32 Broadway theatres where 32BJ contracts are held.

Jessica Vargas told the AP: "We want to be equal with all cleaners all across New York City. We get paid the lowest on Broadway." She added that if a stike happens, it would be "tough on Broadway. It's going to be rough on the city. If we go on strike, the city goes on strike."

The next bargaining session is set for set for December 18. The League, in a statement, said it has had several days of "productive negotiations with the union and looks forward to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement."