Strike Coverage: League Provides 'Claim vs. Fact' Sheet

From The League of American Theatres and Producers:
Clearing the Air - Claim vs. Fact in the Local One, IATSE Stagehands' Strike

In supporting their abrupt strike, Local One stagehands have publicly taken certain positions that are not true. We have framed them as claim versus fact, as outlined below.

Claim

The League only wants to pay for bits and pieces of time when we do actual work.

Fact

Our calls for load-ins are eight-hour days, and no one would be paid for less than that. We simply don't want to be forced to call people we don't need. We would also like the flexibility to change certain archaic contract rules under which, for example, a head electrician receives a six-figure annual salary, but is only allowed to work 10 minutes of cues when the show is being performed, i.e., 80 minutes a week.

Claim

The League is prepared to sacrifice worker safety to increase their bottom line.

Fact

This is just wrong in every respect. Worker safety is as important to us as to anyone. Theatre is a collaborative art and we highly regard, respect, and value everyone who contributes to Broadway. We have an excellent safety record and would do nothing to jeopardize it. If there are any concerns, we want to address them specifically and at once. We also fail to see how reducing the number of workers who have nothing to do compromises safety.

Claim

The union was prepared to meet many times but the League said no.

Fact

There is simply no truth to that claim. The League has been and remains prepared to meet 24/7 to hammer out an agreement and end the Local One stagehands' strike. The union cancelled numerous meetings, refused to meet on weekends, and refuses to meet now. We will return to the table any time they agree to do so.

Claim

The League wants to eliminate a minimum call for load-ins.

Fact

We are seeking to reduce, not eliminate, minimums to a more rational level.

Claim

The League forced the union to strike.

Fact

No one makes that choice for a union: they decided, they walked out, and they turned their back on the theatre-going public, without notice. The door is open for them to return to the bargaining table

 

Actors' Equity has provided their own Myth vs. Fact sheet: Website Here.