News reports say the Broadway strike may end soon. WCBS-TV just reported on its 11 PM ET newscast that producers and striking stagehands are close to reaching an agreement. "Striking stagehands say they are very close to a deal that would end the three week walk-out that has closed dozens of Broadway shows. At the time this article was written, talks were still taking place, but there were reports the Broadway strike could end before daybreak. 'Hopefully there will be a deal tonight,' said Local One spokesman Bruce Cohen.
"Cohen told CBS 2 HD give and take is happening on both sides of the bargaining table. The marathon session started Sunday morning after the last round of talks broke off a week ago. 'Our people have their spreadsheets open, calculators going and I would assume the other side is all on the hopes of trying to come to conclusion,' added Cohen. Progress has certainly been made, but no deal yet that will get strike flyers down off doors and curtains back up again. About two dozens shows are shut down."
The union members of Local One, belonging to the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, began picketing in the rain at 10 AM on November 10th. News reports say 27 Broadway shows, including Wicked, Jersey Boys, The Lion King and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical were shuttered going in to the holiday season when most of these shows enjoy their best attendance. (Tourists accounted for about 65% of the 12.3 million tickets bought for NYC shows in the 2006-07 season, the largest % in the two decades.) The walkout over work rules took place after negotiations broke down with the League of American Theaters And Producers.
Hopefully good contracts are in the air….
Comment by stuck in development — November 25, 2007 @ 9:13 pm
Okay, WGA and AMPTP, now it’s your turn. Studios, own the f*ck up already. Writers, don’t count this chance out before you go through with it. The enemy misjudged our leverage. Let’s rub their faces in it until we get a deal.
Comment by Caitlin — November 25, 2007 @ 10:08 pm