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802 Strike Fund To Make Up Health Plan Contributions - No Coverage Losses
Broadway musicians are justifiably asking, "What will happen to my health benefits as a result of missing nearly three weeks worth of health benefit contributions during the recent Stagehands strike?"
The answer is: No one will lose health care coverage as a result of theaters being closed during the Local One IATSE strike. Your benefits will be protected.
First, Local 802 is seeking all lost health benefit payments due from producers and theatre owners for the entire period that the theatres were closed as part of the grievance claim filed for lost wages and all benefits. While that grievance and possible arbitration proceeds, the Local 802 Executive Board has committed the full resources of the Local 802 Strike Fund to make up any loss of benefits that would cause a musician to lose coverage. Once all contributions are in for the period ending December 31, 2007 the union will review any loss of coverage, whether it be the loss of Plan A+, Plan A or Plan B and provide credits where needed. |
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Broadway Solidarity In Best Shape Ever
Throughout the difficult Local One IATSE League negotiations this past summer and fall the leaders of the three largest Broadway unions, Actors Equity, Local 802 and Local One met on a regular basis. And during the last few weeks of talks and then the strike, the three unions met on a weekly basis. Never in the history of Broadway unions, nor in the 5-year life of COBUG, the Coalition Of Broadway Unions and Guilds, has there been anything approaching this level of cooperation and this level of solidarity among Broadway's labor groups.
The time and energy spent cementing relationships on the part of union leadership over these months and the presence of hundreds of 802, Actors Equity, and the various other union members on the picket lines is an investment in building the power of unity. The employers had the expectation that after a few days on strike, the support of Actors and Musicians for the Stagehands would evaporate. That did not happen. Every union was represented on the picket lines from the first day of the strike to the last day.
While unexpected, but greatly appreciated, the Local 1 Defense Fund wrote checks to Local 802 totaling $167,500. This was immediately added to the loss of work benefits made available to Local 802 members.
The power of united unions is what is needed to effectively protect union contract standards and the integrity of live musical theatre. Those currently running Broadway's labor policies seem intent upon putting their own narrow economic interests ahead of the welfare of those who create and recreate the magic of Broadway theatre. The unity of Broadway's union has already written a far different script. |
