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The labor organization representing stage crews initiated a strike on Sunday against Atlantic Theater Company situated in Manhattan, causing the esteemed nonprofit to defer two performances that had already commenced and to indicate that union requirements may necessitate the closure of the Atlantic as well as other Off Broadway nonprofits.
Both the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the labor organization, and the Atlantic stated that discussions had collapsed, with each party holding the other accountable for the impasse. The strike occurs during a period when numerous nonprofit theaters nationwide are experiencing deficits and significant financial hurdles, yet it is also a time when the labor movement across the country has gained momentum, insisting on improved wages and working conditions. Actors’ Equity, the labor organization representing stage performers, expressed its backing for the stagehands.
The Atlantic canceled Sunday matinee and evening presentations of two new productions, “Grief Camp” and “I’m Assuming You Know David Greenspan,” both of which began previews last week. The Atlantic announced on Sunday that the performances would be postponed for an unspecified duration.
The conflict has extensive implications for Off Broadway nonprofits, which have supported many of the nation’s most distinguished theater talents and productions for decades. Historically, Off Broadway crew members have not been unionized, but the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees has been working on organizing them, and the Atlantic’s crew voted last February to affiliate with the union.
Since its establishment in 1985, the Atlantic operates two venues in Chelsea. The company has produced over 200 shows, including three musicals that later won the Tony Award for best musical after transferring to Broadway: “Spring Awakening,” “The Band’s Visit,” and “Kimberly Akimbo.” Another musical that premiered at the Atlantic, “Buena Vista Social Club,” is set to commence its Broadway performances next month. The company had an annual budget of $15 million in the fiscal year 2023, as reported in a filing with the Internal Revenue Service.
In a statement, the union accused the Atlantic of obstructing negotiations for their initial contract and claimed it had lodged unfair labor practice complaints against the organization with the National Labor Relations Board, asserting that the company was not negotiating in good faith.
“The refusal of Atlantic Theater to engage in fair bargaining has left the crew with no alternative but to strike,” stated the union’s international president, Matthew D. Loeb. “We are ready to reinitiate negotiations whenever Atlantic Theater is prepared to negotiate in good faith.”
The theater released its own statement, positioning itself as “pro-union” and indicating that it had made substantial offers, but cautioned that the union’s requests could undermine Off Broadway institutions.
“We have proposed a good faith agreement incorporating an almost 20% wage increase along with additional benefits,” asserted the company.
The organization further stated, “The majority of Off Broadway is grappling with a vulnerable financial landscape, dealing with substantial deficits since the return from Covid. If IATSE succeeds in achieving its desired financial arrangement with Atlantic, it would establish a standard for other Off Broadway entities, which could lead to the downfall of some of our most significant institutions, including Atlantic.”
Calandra Hackney, the assistant executive director of Actors’ Equity, released a supportive statement for the stagehands, noting “Actors’ Equity Association stands firmly with these workers,” while adding, “We trust that IATSE is negotiating terms that are fair and suitable for their members, and we eagerly anticipate the resumption of performances once an agreement has been finalized.”
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