Local One Press Conference - Part 1

James J. Claffey, President of IATSE Local One press conference regarding the broadway stagehands strike.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• stagehand
• union
• strike
• broadway
• news
• conference

[Fantomaestro]

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.

[arsather]

Working people must stand strong. We have a right, no, the duty to defend ourselves against the WalMartization of our beloved industry.

[bonedog1234]

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.

[WeMustBeStopped]

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.."

[Showpro1]

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

[TerraSinBand]

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.

[googaddict]

Wishing you the best in getting a good contract.

IATSE Local 500 Member South Florida

[hardworklonghours]

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]

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.

[Showpro1]

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!

[roclith]

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).

[mariomudafuka]

you sound very nieve.or maybe your 10YRS old.