Broadway stagehands vote to strike--union turns down Bloomberg's offer to mediate

[Lobster Martini]

From BBC News:

Broadway stagehands have voted to strike over proposed changes in union members contracts.

If industrial action did go ahead the widely anticipated Mel Brooks musical Young Frankenstein, which is due to open in November, could be affected.

Members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees have agreed to take action unless an agreement can be made.

<snip>

Last week union representatives declined Mayor Michael Bloomberg's offer to mediate in the dispute.

<snip>

The new rules involve the number of stagehands working Broadway shows and how long they work.

According to a league statement, new wage proposals are not being imposed.

<snip>

(Link to full article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7056226.stm)

[aquart]

1. Anybody been backstage lately?

You put one foot wrong, miss one cue, people could die. Those stages are massive machines, constantly moving heavy objects. Absolutely terrifying. I don't know if anyone is sitting around doing nothing, but my suspicion is that a little redundancy is a good thing in life or death situations.

[terrya]

2. I agree.

Those stagehands work hard. They're definitely deserving.