New York CNN —A strike vote Thursday by the union representing 1,500 stagehands and other backstage workers could shut down Broadway shows as soon as Friday, according to the union.
“This strike vote will send a strong message that we will not accept substandard contracts that fail to acknowledge our workers’ contributions,” said Mathew Loeb, president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
The strike would be a blow to the New York City economy, which is still suffering from the shift from in-office work to people working from home.
Tourism is a major driver of the city’s economy and Broadway a significant magnet for those tourists.
The Broadway League reported that in the season that concluded in May, the first full season since Broadway shows were disrupted by the pandemic, theaters reached a total attendance of 12.3 million and grossed $1.6 billion in ticket sales.
Persons:
”, Mathew Loeb
Organizations:
New, New York CNN, International Alliance, Broadway League, Disney, SAG, Writers Guild of America, Tourism, Broadway
Locations:
New York, New York City