Kennedy Center IATSE stagehands authorize strike

[TarHeelAlan]

Kennedy Center IATSE stagehands authorize strike#1

Posted: 10/7/21 at 7:28pm

Washington Post: The stagehands who work behind the scenes at the Kennedy Center authorized a strike Thursday morning, more than a year after their contract expired, saying that ongoing talks seem unlikely to result in a new deal. The two sides remain at odds over several key issues, including staffing levels, wages and overtime pay, according to the union.

The unanimous vote by members of Local 22 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) comes days before the Broadway hit “Hadestown” — the first major touring show to play at the Kennedy Center since the pandemic — arrives in Washington for a three-week engagement.

Representing Broadway’s return, “Hadestown” offers a high-profile deadline for negotiations that have dragged on for a year, union officials said. A strike could cancel some or all of the 24 performances during the show’s Oct. 13-31 run, as well as other scheduled events.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/kennedy-center-stagehands-strike/2021/10/07/f942bbf0-26e9-11ec-8d53-67cfb452aa60_story.html

Hollywood Reporter:   https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/kennedy-centers-iatse-stagehands-vote-authorize-strike-1235027881/

[AndreyIsntHere]

Kennedy Center IATSE stagehands authorize strike#2

Posted: 10/9/21 at 2:40pm

I have tickets for Hadestown in DC on Halloween. I would love to see the show with this touring cast (but I'm also seeing it in Boston, and I live in NJ so I can easily do NYC trips. . . east coast beast coast). But I'd much prefer that stagehands actually have their rights as workers. I'd be selfishly sad for myself if my ticket gets cancelled, but I'd be VERY happy for the workers. To quote the show itself, "we're standing with them." Can't cross a picket line in Hadestown of all things. 

[Esther2]

Kennedy Center IATSE stagehands authorize strike#3

Posted: 10/9/21 at 6:00pm

AndreyIsntHere said: "I have tickets for Hadestown in DC on Halloween. I would love to see the show with this touring cast(but I'm also seeing it in Boston, and I live in NJ so I can easily do NYC trips. . . east coast beast coast). But I'd much prefer that stagehands actually have their rights as workers. I'd be selfishly sad for myself if my ticket gets cancelled, but I'd be VERY happy for the workers. To quote the show itself, "we're standing with them." Can't cross a picket line in Hadestown of all things."

Your sentiments are much appreciated!!  Fortunately, you don't need to worry about cancellation...

https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/kennedy-center-stagehands-reach-agreement-with-the-performing-arts-venue-sparing-hadestown-from-cancellation/2021/10/09/6ea97c44-2901-11ec-9de8-156fed3e81bf_story.html

[FANtomFollies]

Kennedy Center IATSE stagehands authorize strike#4

Posted: 10/9/21 at 7:06pm

Thrilled to see IATSE standing up for what is fair - this whole situation is a perfect demonstration of why unions are so important.

[TarHeelAlan]

Kennedy Center IATSE stagehands authorize strike#5

Posted: 10/10/21 at 10:35am

FANtomFollies said: "Thrilled to see IATSE standing up for what is fair - this whole situation is a perfect demonstration of why unions are so important."

Here, here. Glad everyone was able to reach an agreement.