The union representing stagehands went on strike against Manhattan's Atlantic Theater Company on Sunday. The prestigious nonprofit postponed two performances that had already begun and warned that the union's demands could force the closure of Atlantic and other off-Broadway nonprofits.
The International Union of Stage Employees, the union, and Atlantic all announced that negotiations had broken down, but each side blamed the other for the stalemate. The strike comes at a time when many not-for-profit theaters across the country are running deficits and facing serious financial difficulties, and at the same time a national labor movement has been active, demanding better wages and working conditions. It was also done while Actors Equity, the union representing stage performers, said it supported them.
Atlantic has canceled Sunday matinee and evening performances of two new plays that began previewing last week, “Grief Camp” and “Assuming You Know David Greenspan.” The Atlantic announced Sunday that production has been postponed indefinitely.
The controversy has far-reaching implications for the Off-Broadway nonprofit that has fostered many of the nation's most acclaimed theater artists and shows for decades. Off-Broadway staff has not traditionally organized into a union, but the International Union of Theatrical Stage Employees is working to organize, and Atlantic staffers voted to unionize last February.
Atlantic was founded in 1985 and operates two venues in Chelsea. The company has produced more than 200 productions, including three Broadway musicals that won Tony Awards for Best Musical: Spring Awakening, A Visit from the Band, and Kimberly Akimbo. Included. “Buena Vista Social Club,” another musical that debuted at Atlantic, is scheduled to begin performances on Broadway next month. The company's annual budget for fiscal year 2023 was $15 million, according to filings with the Internal Revenue Service.
In a statement, the union accused Atlantic of stalling negotiations on the original contract and announced it had filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing the company of failing to negotiate in good faith.
“Atlantic Theater's refusal to negotiate fairly has left our crew members with no choice but to strike,” Matthew D. Loeb, the union's international president, said in a statement. “We are ready to resume negotiations as soon as Atlantic Theater is ready to do so in good faith.”
The theater issued its own statement, calling itself the “parent union” and saying it had made a generous offer, but warning that the union's demands could weaken the off-Broadway organization. .
“We have offered a good faith agreement that will increase wages and other benefits by nearly 20%,” the company said in a statement.
The company also said that “the majority of Off-Broadway has incurred significant losses and faces precarious financial conditions since returning from COVID-19.” If IATSE is successful in agreeing to a financial plan with Atlantic, it could set a precedent for other off-Broadway companies and lead to the demise of some of our great institutions, including Atlantic. ”
Calandra Hackney, Deputy Executive Director of Actors Equity, issued a statement in support of the stagehands, saying, “Actors' Equity stands in solidarity with these workers,” adding, “We hope that IATSE will negotiate on fair terms.” I fully believe that they are doing so,” he added. We look forward to resuming the show when it is appropriate for our members and an agreement is reached. ”
