"Remember that any theatrical venture is a tremendous risk, and with great risk comes great reward."
And part of that risk involves working with the unions and meeting their obligations under the contracts. When planning the budget it's the Producers task to take into account the contractual demands of the unions and to plan the budget accordingly. If they feel that they can not turn a profit by working with the unions, then they should either recalculate their budget or go non-union. Producers have absolutely no obligation to bring their shows into union houses, they can mount their productions elsewhere if they so choose, using non-union employees. It's their option, not the unions.
"Why should any private company 'open its books' to employees?"
Why shouldn't they? Especially, when they are crying poor, and blaming the union for their financial woes. It's much easier to blame the unions for failure than to actually prove it, especially when you don't have to back up your claims with actual figures.
"Furthermore, why does the stage hands union think they should be entitled to better wages if shows are successful?"
Union contracts run for several years. They are not negotiated on a per-show basis. The success of a show during the course of the contract does not entitle the union members to higher wages. The salaries are established in the contract and remain in place until the contract expires.
"Just a Guy. Your feelings are touching. I am gladdened by the thought that you will one day wind up 6 feet under as we all do." - MrRoxy ------
"I do not suggest you walk out the door onto a New York street with your vulnerable child part exposed and not protected..." - Jason Bennett
Updated On: 10/23/07 at 11:07 AM
