Just in from Atlantic Theater Company, who has been locked in a multi-month negotiation with IATSE. In February of 2024, the Atlantic Theater crew was the first group to unionize with IATSE from a major off-Broadway, non-profit theater. However, several months later, little progress has been made in achieving a first contract.
Atlantic Theater Company has just released the following statement: “Unfortunately, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) has decided to strike against Atlantic Theater Company. As a result, we are forced to postpone our productions of Grief Camp and I’m Assuming You Know David Greenspan.
Atlantic has been working together diligently with IATSE for months to create a fair contract for our crew workers and we have offered a good faith agreement with nearly a 20% increase in wages and other benefits. Recognizing how long a first contract can take, Atlantic offered two interim agreements over the past two months that included 13% increases in wages and health, effective immediately in return for a no strike agreement while we continue to bargain in good faith. Both of these offers were ignored.
We believe equity on our stage is crucial and our offer aligns with our contract with Actors’ Equity Association. IATSE believes this is unacceptable and wants more. In addition, the union is attempting to expand its work jurisdiction beyond the theatrical productions.
The world of Off-Broadway theater is quickly changing: many not-for-profits are doing shorter seasons and choosing plays with smaller casts, press coverage that can boost tickets sales is never guaranteed, advertising costs continue to rise, and production costs have nearly doubled since the pandemic. Most of Off-Broadway is facing a precarious financial situation, running significant deficits since returning from Covid. If IATSE is successful in getting their proposed financials with Atlantic, it would set a precedent for other Off-Broadway companies and we may see the demise of some of our greatest institutions, including Atlantic.
Atlantic is pro-union and works collaboratively with several other unions, but we have to make this agreement financially sustainable for everyone or we will not be around to offer any work to anyone. Our hope is that IATSE will reconsider the stance it is taking and work with us to reach a fair contract for our production crew quickly.”
