Broadway Strike Looming with Union Contract Talks Stalled
by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder
News broke today that talks on a new contract between the Broadway League and Disney Theatrical Productions and IATSE have stalled and the union is holding a strike authorization vote which means a strike could begin as early as this Friday.
According to The Hollywood Reporter,
“The contract negotiations, and the strike authorization vote, concern stagehands, hair and make-up artists and wardrobe personnel working on a so-called pink contract. About 1,500 workers are directly covered by the agreement and they work across 45 theatrical shows, with 28 productions on Broadway and 17 on tour.
The union needs to reach a threshold of at least 75 percent “yes” votes to move forward with strike authorization. However, reaching that threshold does not necessarily mean a strike will be called, but rather that the IATSE President can call a strike if needed. Having a strong showing of membership support for a strike is often a key negotiating tactic for unions.
“We need to show strength and unity to ensure we win the wages, benefits, and rights that all members at IATSE have earned and deserve,” said IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb.
The key elements that seem to be holding up talks surround an increase in wages on Broadway and set weekly and daily rest periods. It’s important to note that these workers have not gotten a raise since 2019.
Hair stylist Kevin Thomas Garica, whose work includes Broadway productions such as Hadestown and Anastasia as well as TV shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Blue Bloods, posted an informative video about the situation on his TikTok.
“We’re fighting for pay equity,” he says.
I don’t think I need to convince you of how important these artists are to the Broadway industry. Hair stylists and makeup artists are integral to these shows as they are responsible for character transformation, enhancing visual appeal, maintaining historical accuracy, and facilitating quick changes. among many other things. Their skills contribute significantly to the immersive and memorable experience that Broadway audiences expect.
I’ve seen firsthand how hard they work and they absolutely deserve more recognition(like their own Tony award) than they get. I certainly hope things are resolved and these stylists are able to get the deals they need. If not, I will gladly join them on the picket line.