I have really mixed feelings about unions. On one hand, they allow the middle class to flourish but on the other hand, they keep the good jobs inaccessible.
Deck electrician waits five minutes backstage between cues and God forbid some one dare see him sitting down, "Well, shit, what am I paying his ass for? He's just dead weight on my payroll. It doesn't take this many hands to run this show...surely the guy on the rails can run over real quick and run a fog machine..fuck safety, fuck expertise allocation, I just wanna trim some fat so I can afford Celene Dion at my daughter's b-day.."
We're trying to keep our jobs. Part of that job is to work safely. The big controversy right now seems to be the number of crew required to load in a Broadway show. I've done a number of Broadway load-ins, and I can tell you I've seen no "Featherbedding" going on, no standing-around-with-your-hands-in-your-pockets BS.I don't know of a single Dept. Head that would put up with it. And if the Head happens to miss it, believe me, your co-workers will let you know that you're not pulling your weight
I take my hat off to you, Local 1, for standing up for yourselves and doing what needs to be done for job security so you can take care of your families and yourselves and doing it in a big way. It sends a great message not only to New York, but to every union and venue in the country.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's the League trying to cut stagehands jobs, not stagehands asking for more money that has led to the strike.
Most people only see 3 hour shows, not three+ day load-ins. The stagehands have to do a better job of explaining what they are trying to accomplish, most people don't understand the danger of trying to do the same job with less people and the same deadlines.
WickedRoxxxxxx1215; Have you ever HAD a job? Why in hell would you offer to do it for free.? Shows a lack of respect for work in general, the workers themselves, and YOURSELF!
She's obviously a passionate fan (paying customer) of Broadway. Educate her about what you're trying to accomplish. Do it nicely, this is a rare forum where stagehands can present themselves to the paying public.
Good luck with that. Can anyone help me with information on how to start a Tourists Union. I mean, we are ultimately the ones paying everyone's paycheck in this whole scenario. I myself have 9 tickets to shows next week. Granted, I will get my $1000 back, but it will be 7-10 days AFTER I return from NYC. If I was making $60,000 plus, maybe I'd have the extra cash to buy tickets to shows that are open next week; but I don't so I'll be walking the streets at night (lol).
This is so horriable! These people think they have the right to ruin the magic of broadway! I do not get why anyone would want to be in a stupid union. If i could be a stagehand i would not even care if i made any money. even though they have to pay thier bills i would invest in the stack market for that! They really are ruining broadway!
I am sick of hearing about how much money the theatre owners are making, they are the people who put up the millions of dollars it takes to put on a Broadway production not the Union. They are the ones that take the risks so you can have a job. If you want to produce your own show then you can demand all the profits. We live in a capitalist society and as such all industries attempt to minimize costs to maximize profits
Bravo for Local One! Our thanks to all of the men and women of Local One and all the other unions who are putting their lives and the lives of their families on the line to restore the dignity of labor and the strength of every union in our country. Fight on and we'll back you every step of the way until you prevail. I only wish that Claffey and Connelly were running for public office and I'd be at the front of the line to carry your flag.
800tixx... you obviously do not... i repeat... DO NOT know what you are talking about... this guy as you put it... seems like an amazing leader... also those stagehands deserve every penny they work so very hard for... what gives you the right to say when they should return back to work
I have really mixed feelings about unions. On one hand, they allow the middle class to flourish but on the other hand, they keep the good jobs inaccessible.
bonedog1234 3 years ago
Deck electrician waits five minutes backstage between cues and God forbid some one dare see him sitting down, "Well, shit, what am I paying his ass for? He's just dead weight on my payroll. It doesn't take this many hands to run this show...surely the guy on the rails can run over real quick and run a fog machine..fuck safety, fuck expertise allocation, I just wanna trim some fat so I can afford Celene Dion at my daughter's b-day.."
WeMustBeStopped 4 years ago
We're trying to keep our jobs. Part of that job is to work safely. The big controversy right now seems to be the number of crew required to load in a Broadway show. I've done a number of Broadway load-ins, and I can tell you I've seen no "Featherbedding" going on, no standing-around-with-your-hands-in-your-pockets BS.I don't know of a single Dept. Head that would put up with it. And if the Head happens to miss it, believe me, your co-workers will let you know that you're not pulling your weight
Showpro1 4 years ago
I take my hat off to you, Local 1, for standing up for yourselves and doing what needs to be done for job security so you can take care of your families and yourselves and doing it in a big way. It sends a great message not only to New York, but to every union and venue in the country.
TerraSinBand 4 years ago
Wishing you the best in getting a good contract.
IATSE Local 500 Member South Florida
googaddict 4 years ago
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's the League trying to cut stagehands jobs, not stagehands asking for more money that has led to the strike.
Most people only see 3 hour shows, not three+ day load-ins. The stagehands have to do a better job of explaining what they are trying to accomplish, most people don't understand the danger of trying to do the same job with less people and the same deadlines.
hardworklonghours 4 years ago
WickedRoxxxxxx1215; Have you ever HAD a job? Why in hell would you offer to do it for free.? Shows a lack of respect for work in general, the workers themselves, and YOURSELF!
Showpro1 4 years ago 2
Be nice, she might have a hot stock tip!
She's obviously a passionate fan (paying customer) of Broadway. Educate her about what you're trying to accomplish. Do it nicely, this is a rare forum where stagehands can present themselves to the paying public.
hardworklonghours 4 years ago
Good luck with that. Can anyone help me with information on how to start a Tourists Union. I mean, we are ultimately the ones paying everyone's paycheck in this whole scenario. I myself have 9 tickets to shows next week. Granted, I will get my $1000 back, but it will be 7-10 days AFTER I return from NYC. If I was making $60,000 plus, maybe I'd have the extra cash to buy tickets to shows that are open next week; but I don't so I'll be walking the streets at night (lol).
roclith 4 years ago
This is so horriable! These people think they have the right to ruin the magic of broadway! I do not get why anyone would want to be in a stupid union. If i could be a stagehand i would not even care if i made any money. even though they have to pay thier bills i would invest in the stack market for that! They really are ruining broadway!
WickedRoxxxxxx1215 4 years ago
you sound very nieve.or maybe your 10YRS old.
mariomudafuka 4 years ago
Hey BroadwayCarl,
Thanks for posting these videos. Part 6 was great. I've worked with Local 1 and I'd be honored to do it again.
GO IATSE!
LightingDavid 4 years ago
I am sick of hearing about how much money the theatre owners are making, they are the people who put up the millions of dollars it takes to put on a Broadway production not the Union. They are the ones that take the risks so you can have a job. If you want to produce your own show then you can demand all the profits. We live in a capitalist society and as such all industries attempt to minimize costs to maximize profits
ubetcha13 4 years ago
Broadway rakes in billions, while the Producers are fighting to pay for their 3rd or 4th house, these guys are fighting to pay for their only house.
intleck 4 years ago 2
Bravo for Local One! Our thanks to all of the men and women of Local One and all the other unions who are putting their lives and the lives of their families on the line to restore the dignity of labor and the strength of every union in our country. Fight on and we'll back you every step of the way until you prevail. I only wish that Claffey and Connelly were running for public office and I'd be at the front of the line to carry your flag.
Fantomaestro 4 years ago 6
800tixx... you obviously do not... i repeat... DO NOT know what you are talking about... this guy as you put it... seems like an amazing leader... also those stagehands deserve every penny they work so very hard for... what gives you the right to say when they should return back to work
BillJoeMikeJr 4 years ago 2
Working people must stand strong. We have a right, no, the duty to defend ourselves against the WalMartization of our beloved industry.
arsather 4 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
These guys better get back to work, and if this guy is your leader you are in trouble
800tixx 4 years ago