The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) unionized stagehands at the Atlantic Theater Company in Manhattan went on strike, forcing the cancellation of Sunday performances of two new plays. The strike comes as many nonprofit theaters face financial challenges and the labor movement pushes for better pay and working conditions.
The IATSE accused the Atlantic of stalling talks, while the theater claimed it had made generous offers to negotiate a fair contract. The union, led by International President Matthew D. Loeb, filed unfair labor practice complaints against the company with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging that the Atlantic failed to bargain in good faith.
The strike affects not only the Atlantic but also other Off Broadway nonprofits, which have traditionally nurtured acclaimed theater artists and shows. The IATSE has been working on organizing crew members, and the Atlantic’s crew recently voted to join the union.
The dispute has broad implications for the industry, with many theaters facing financial difficulties. The Atlantic Theater Company was founded in 1985 and has staged over 200 productions, including three musicals that won Tony Awards after transferring to Broadway. The company had an annual budget of $15 million in fiscal 2023.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/12/theater/atlantic-theater-stagehands-strike.html