Crew Members at Major Off-Broadway Theater Go On Strike

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The team members associated with the Atlantic Theater Company, a significant Off-Broadway playhouse, have decided to stage a walkout following the collapse of their contract talks.

Due to the announced strike that took place on Sunday, the theater has decided to delay the performances of “Grief Camp” and “I’m Assuming You Know David Greenspan.” The strike occurred following crew members’ decision in February 2024 to join IATSE as a union, expressing worries about healthcare and job stability as part of a broader movement for Off-Broadway.

Following numerous rounds of discussions spanning several months, the two parties convened on January 10th and 12th, yet failed to arrive at a consensus. According to IATSE, who are acting as representatives for the crew members, the theater company insisted upon certain conditions before proceeding with additional negotiations with the union, and remained inflexible in their demands.

Consequently, the union submitted allegations for unfair labor practices to the federal authorities, triggering the strike that ultimately resulted in the cancellation of the two plays’ Sunday performances. IATSE had earlier accused the theater company of unfair labor practices in November, pointing to slow progress in negotiations and a delay of the fall season during the negotiation period.

As a dedicated member of IATSE, I’m compelled to stand up for my fellow crew members. Unfortunately, the Atlantic Theater hasn’t been fair in our negotiations, leaving us no other option but to take action and strike. We’re all part of New York’s vibrant entertainment community, and everyone deserves equal dignity, respect, and protections, whether they’re on or off Broadway, in front or behind the curtain. It’s disheartening that they haven’t extended healthcare coverage to all their employees. Once Atlantic Theater is ready to bargain honestly, we’re prepared to get back to the table and continue our discussions.

Previously, The Atlantic reportedly proposed a deal featuring nearly a 20% raise in wages, along with additional benefits, and had made similar interim agreements over the past two months that included wage hikes and more, given a no-strike commitment. However, these proposals were turned down by the union.

As a devoted fan, I want to share some insights about The Atlantic Theater Company’s stance regarding their proposed contract terms. According to them, these terms are remarkably akin to those they have with Actors’ Equity. They also issued a warning that the suggestions put forth by IATSE could potentially lead to the downfall of theater and other related industries as they navigate their recovery from the pandemic. The Atlantic Theater Company is a renowned nonprofit organization that has been instrumental in bringing shows to Broadway, such as the Tony Award-winning musicals “The Band’s Visit” and “Kimberly Akimbo”, and the upcoming “Buena Vista Social Club”, slated for Broadway this spring.

The landscape of Off-Broadway theatre is undergoing rapid transformation: numerous non-profit groups are reducing their season lengths and opting for plays with fewer actors, media coverage that could boost ticket sales isn’t always assured, advertising expenses keep climbing, and production costs have nearly doubled since the pandemic. Most Off-Broadway venues find themselves in a financially precarious position, running deficits since reopening post-Covid. If IATSE manages to agree on their financial terms with Atlantic, it could establish a precedent for other Off-Broadway organizations, potentially leading to the downfall of some esteemed institutions, such as Atlantic.

On Sunday, Actors’ Equity expressed its support for the workers and stated that they trust IATSE to negotiate reasonable and fitting conditions for their union members.

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2025-01-13 20:55