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A Modest Proposal by James Marino

  • The strike can be over today. It just takes two leaders.

    As this strike is in the fourth day, cracks start to form on the fragile Broadway economy.

    There are a lot of smart people on both sides. But smart is not how either side is playing it -- it is being approached with force rather than thought. I thought better of The League and Local One than to turn to thuggery. Examples: Someone on The League negotiating side offering gloves to union reps? Local One not going back to the table because they are not getting "respect"... like a rapper in some song? Both are the actions of thugs, not business people looking to come to an agreement. We need leadership on both sides to standup and say enough is enough.

    This has escalated to long-term damage level and it needs to be ended today. I have a modest proposal. It may have been suggested already, but it should be considered again. Today.

    At the end of the day, when this negotiation is complete, there will be some sort of immediate increase in salary costs to League members. What is in question is how much. The League has put aside a $20 million reserve fund which they should pledge the fund to cover the delta in salary during the strike period. Set a date, say July 31, which is when the Local One contract expired.

    The $20 million fund is a tool of The League. It could be used as a weapon, which is how Local One perceives it right now, or it could be used as a bridge to bring both sides closer to resolution.

    There are approximately 350 currently members of Local One employed by The League. If they end up with a 20% over five year increase, the fund will surely cover the stopgap during the period from July 31 until the signing of the new contract, hopefully with much to spare.

    After the new contract is signed, the current employers (producers) take over the new costs. If money remains in the fund, The League surely has provisions for that. If the fund runs out, there is no contingency but maybe it would make both Local One and The League more willing to come to an agreement.

    This course of action will guarantee that the current workers are covered if their show closes. In return for this "respect" paid to Local One, they should get everyone back to work, and back to the table so that a deal can be hammered out.

    This proposal can only work if there is a leader on each side willing to put his or her ego in check and extend a hand to the friend across the aisle. It is what is sorely needed for the Broadway community. I hope that someone is able to step up on each side and make the move.

    Published on Tuesday, November 13, 2007

    James Marino is the founder of BroadwayStars. A technology geek with a love of theatre, he has been involved with many aspects of show business throughout his lifetime. James lives on Long Island with his wife and two kids. He loves to email and is never very far from an internet device. You can contact him in many ways:
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    or just pick up a phone and call 646-873-7695


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