THE STAGE HANDS ARE BULLIES- Page 4

[JustAGuy]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:14pm

"I bet they'd prefer to pay extra (which would be fair and make sense) to someone who had both qualifications then pay an extra person a full wage plus benefits to sit on their ass all week long."

But then where does it end? Couldn't the House Manager or Company Manager also work as an usher? Or the Stage Manager when not calling cues put on a few wigs or dress a couple of actors? Or the Props person, when not setting props run some automation?

What happens when the flyman/whatever is needed in two places at the same time? In theory, it's great to have one person do more than one job, but in practice sometimes you need more than just that one person, you might not need them for every performance, but when you do they're there and it might mean the difference between the show coming to a screeching halt, or it continuing.

EDIT: LOL Andy...we have to quit posting like this!

Updated On: 11/10/07 at 07:14 PM

[Neverandy]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:14pm

Coopeross-If you think they have outlived their usefulness, maybe you should go back and try to work in a non-union theater and see how well they treat you. Good luck with that Health plan and 401k at the Bucks County Playhouse!

[joniray]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:15pm

Yes and if you let gays marry, then people will start marrying their pets I tell you! (Doncha love slippery slope arguments? )

And musicians do often double on instruments and actors do sometimes move scenery (Falsettos anyone?)

[JustAGuy]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:19pm

"And musicians do often double on instruments and actors do sometimes move scenery (Falsettos anyone?)"

But that doesn't answer the question as to what happens when one person is needed in two places at the same time.

[cooperross]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:19pm

I have worked in many non union theatres but never on the east coast since I have never lived there.

My theatre days are done except for being an audience member.

[Liverpool]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:22pm

" My theatre days are done except for being an audience member."

And we're very thankful for that.

[cooperross]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:27pm

Don't you have to get ready for your performance of "Mummenschanz" at your community theatre tonight?

[Liverpool]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:31pm

such rapier wit

[chinto1984]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:52pm

Does anyone know exactly what the unions are asking for? What is the actual requirement with stagehands needed for a show? What has made them strike now? I just started reading this blog.

[Neverandy]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 8:04pm

https://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=22903

that's the link to the flier that they are handing out

[chinto1984]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 8:22pm

Thank you very much.

However, that doesn't answer the questions I asked. I am not going to repeat comments that bloggers have already stated. I hope this strike gets over in appropriate time.

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 8:56pm

Well im a member of Equity (UK based) and DONT support this strike but can see the reasoning.

My biggest problem is that NO warning was given in advance of the day it would be.They have not only inconvenienced tourists (some who travel for miles to see a show, some with kids to watch things like the grinch) but also affecting Business in NY such as Restaurants, Hotel, Cabs etc etc.

They have lost so much respect from people for this reason and for the reason that some things they are asking for are ridiculous.
You get paid for when you work and they KNEW that when they took the job

[NYC2]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 9:02pm

Just A Guy is a stagehand so let's not respond any longer to his postings, you cannot reason with him. We are all agreed that a fair salary for work done is something we all want and believe in. THis is not a fair strike!

Posted: 11/10/07 at 9:03pm

we live in 2007. Unions are not needed for the most part

WHOAH.
ignorant.

Posted: 11/10/07 at 9:07pm

The reason why there ARE state and federal laws that protect workers is ONLY because unions have struggled, organized, and lobbied hard for such legislation. Without unions there would be no OSHA, no minimum wage, no consumer protective regulation, no workplace protections. Learn your history, people! As soon as you take these hard won rights for granted and trash our unions, you put all these accomplishments at risk.

EXACTLY!
there would be no such thing as "weekend", "overtime", & child labor would be common.

[nygrl23]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 9:15pm

"No, I work for a company that provides this for me. I decided to work for a company that does this, instead of one that doesnt. I made a choice. I'm not going to get a job with a company that doesn't provide for it's employees and then go on strike because I want something more."

Think of the union as a company that provides said benefits for its workers, then. Unions certainly are not perfect, but they are better than nothing. Unions can be a pain in the butt, and I have my issues with them, but I've worked without the benefit of having a union on my side many a time, and I wish to heck that hadn't been the case.

Unions also provide a checks and balances system so that there is a line of communication open between employers and employees. They offer some sense of balance instead of the alternative, which in my experience, is resignation to bullying, being forced into acquiescence of unfair business practices...basically fostering environments that can be dangerous and embittering.

Having benefits already in place is fine. Negotiating for better terms is a part of democracy. And I've personally found that this is an age of unparalleled global greed. The honest, hardworking taxpayer needs an advocate, always.

[JustAGuy]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 9:33pm

"Just A Guy is a stagehand so let's not respond any longer to his postings, you cannot reason with him."

Wrong again, oh great one. I'm not a stagehand, have never been a stagehand, and will never be a stagehand. Just like all the rest of your post, the information contained within them is false. But nice try!

Hugs, to Ms. St. Martin

Updated On: 11/10/07 at 09:33 PM

[don logan]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 10:31pm

Just a piece of information for those who think the unions are the greedy ones:

Many musicians and actors got calls today from their company managers telling them that there will be a strike and that they wouldn't have to come in. Luckily, everyone knows that the only way they will get paid is if they show up and sign in. So the producers are trying to talk the talent out of showing up, to avoid having to pay them. Wonderful, altruistic, generous people.

[joniray]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 11:03pm

Since you felt it was necessary to post the same thing here that you have started a new thread over, I'll post my response here as well.

"So the producers are trying to talk the talent out of showing up, to avoid having to pay them."

Are you sure about that? It is my understanding that the talent is being paid strike pay by the union, not the producers, and that is who is requiring them to show up. I don't believe the producers are paying them for anything whether they show up or not. Does anyone have clarification on that? (Paging Margo )

[don logan]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 11:14pm

I can only speak for the musicians. My inhouse contractor told me that the producers are contractually required to pay the musicians, but will likely refuse and it will go to arbitration, meaning we'll get paid less than we should at some point next year.

[chinto1984]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 12:01am

In a past thread, someone who was a union contractor explained how people are paid. There are a lot of rules and they don't get paid forever. I think the actors were only covered for two weeks or something. It's not simple. Good luck if you can find the thread.

[fengshuihellnyc]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 2:56am

Everyone on this page needs a reality check, serious people. A) you should not get paid to do work you didn't do PERIOD. B) STAGEHANDS ARE PAID MORE THAN THE AVERAGE TEACHER being 50-100 THOUSAND A year depending who they are and what job they do. THIS IS TOTALLY SICK. AS their job and work is important in theatre the average worker does very little for the amount they are paid. They are also not required to have a Diploma. C)Why should they have to hire 20 stagehands if you really only need 18. THis is not the same as musicians where you need more chairs for a specific sound. So don't try to use the musicians as an example. I AGREE COMPLETELY the stagehands are bullies. UNIONS are unlawful and downright close to extortion. I'm sorry but its true. While it is true at one time unions DID SERVE A PURPOSE they are now obsolete. Playbill wrote about the strike and really does show the STAGE HANDS TRUE BULLY COLORS...
here is a link...

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/112689.html

This whole strike is Bull$#it.
Producers NEVER I STATE ALMOST NEVER MAKE BACK THEIR MONEY.
Why should a producer have to suffer just to pay these JERKS MORE MONEY. ITS one thing to get a raise Its another thing to RAPE over the hand that feeds you. I know several people in the Local ONE UNION and none of them have complained about their contracts, their benefits, or even the pay. In fact every one I do know doesn't even feel that the strike is right and that this shouldn't be happening. They all just want to go to work and go on with the show.
Any person that is on the picket line has been strong armed by the union to be there. I spoke with a few of them tonight right before I went to see the RITZ and most of them found the entire thing silly. I feel for those people. They cannot refuse to show up or the ones that are really enforcing the strike will retaliate and they can possibly loose their jobs. There was an article that was online that was discussing the union leader and how he was abusive and brash in his actions and the way he treats other in the union. It also stated how he would retaliate if you made any comment or view that was not his own. Sounds almost lik Mafioso to me.

Personally I think that Broadway show attenders should Picket the Picketers.

Another thing. One of the arguments that the leaders of the union are using is that if the things they are striking over were not given to them that it would not end up giving the theatre goer a break on the tickets.... Yes this is probably true. BUT AT THE SAME TIME ITS NOT GOING TO HELP TICKET PRICES EITHER WHEN THEY DO GET WHAT THEY WANT AND THE TOP TICKET PRICE OF 121 is pushed to 150 because the producers will obviously push the expenses to the public and theatre goer.
These union people don't even know that when they make statements like "if we get what we want it isn't going to give consumers a break on tickets" that they are only sound like complete idiot morons.

I call for the picketers to be picketed.
And Don't try to say to me that I need to be more educated... I'm older than the average teen who posts on this page.

[Yawper]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 3:21am

So you're getting pissed at the stagehands for the producers passing along expenses to the public instead of picking up any of the cost?

I'll bet you shop at Wal*mart, too, buying all Chinese and Indian **** while your neighbor loses his job.

[Lynnespock2]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 8:10am

fengshuihellnyc

"Unions are unlawful and downright close to extortion."

In spite of your vast knowledge of labor law, unions are not unlawful nor do they participate in extortion. Unions make sure the employer has safe working conditions, protect the employees health, treat their employees fairly in accord to due process, provide benefits for the average working person within their membership and give air to grievances that arise in the workplace. If it weren't for unions, there would be no labor laws nor would OSHA exist.

Producers choose to produce, knowing the risks involved.

You are older than the average teen? I am 58 years old, not a teen and a proud union (not connected to the theater) member for 26 years.

Please go to the library and do some reading on unions and what conditions were like before there were unions. You have no clue and your ignorance is beyond the pale.

[NJluvstheatre]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 8:11am

First off... Regarding lighting rigs over the stage.. Most of the theatres I have worked in over the years the lighting rigs were on electric winches (due to their extreme weight). They never required a "specialist" to push the button and lower or raise them. This maybe different from theatre to theatre, but pretty consistent in the ones I worked in.

Next, on another thread someone FINALLY had the best solution to the problem. That each and every show should negotiate their own contract with the unions based on their ACTUAL needs, NOT base on the broad across the boards rules dictated by the unions. Obviously this is something that has been done already on a few shows as there are shows that are exempt from this strike.

Each and every show requires different things from the number of actors to musicians, and yes, stage hands. Each show (producers) should be able to sit with the unions and negotiate their needs for each particular show.