<p>Michael, all nine Nederlander theatres are also dark. The eight shows that are still running are either run by the non-profit sector or are in theatres which have separate contracts with Local One. The issues with Local One are long-entrenched requirements in the contract which the League is attempting to change. This is naturally going to be opposed but some compromise is necessary, which I don’t think any reasonable person would deny. Having certain numbers of positions stipulated, whether or not that number is required for a particular show doesn’t make sense, even to the stagehands I know. </p>
<p>There was real hope that the talks this weekend would be successful. Robert Johnson from Disney is a well-respected man, on both sides, and he was brought in from California to assist. It was close, but now a conflict between Thomas Short and James Claffey, within the union, is apparently preventing an almost-agreed upon settlement.</p>
<p>Audi, Mayor Bloomberg has twice offered his services, and twice been rebuffed by James Claffey. Regardless of who is more at fault, or who has the legal right to strike, this strike is a mistake, in my opinion. Although the leadership of the other unions may publicly be supportive, which is no big surprise, many AEA members are not happy with the situation, and given the opportunity, would not be standing with Local One.</p>