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Cry Baby - Cry Foul
The show Cry Baby withdrew its petition to be considered a special situation under the terms of the contract. The union lauded this decision as a good one, but we spoke too soon.
The union is very disappointed in the response of the show to hire walkers to fill the three positions to fill out the minimum. Having made some headway in arguing against the special situation designation in the first phases of the process the union regards the show's response of hiring walkers instead of performing musicians as an act of bad faith.
The terms of the contract are clear that if the special situation status is denied by the neutral panel then the show must hire performing musicians. What this show did was to drop the special situation request altogether and pay walkers.
The union is filing a grievance over this act of bad faith. No show coming into a theatre since 2003 has filled out the minimum for the theatre with walkers. The union believes that every chair in every new show after 2003 should be filled with a performing musician. The League recognizes this position but won't deliver. |
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Equity Talks 
Last week Actors Equity Officers and representatives briefed the Executive Board of Local 802 and the Theatre Musicians Committee on the progress of their negotiations with the Broadway League. The Actors Equity contract on Broadway expires on June 29. To date discussions have focused on media arrangements, touring shows, swings, and health and safety issues with the main economic items on wages and benefits yet to be seriously engaged by the parties. A marked improved in tone and a generally positive approach by both sides was noted.
The Equity contract settlement should show a pattern for settlements throughout the Broadway community. The parties are scheduled to meet every day up through the last day of the contract. |
