Will Broadway go dark this October?

The New York Post reports that Broadway stagehands, members of  the trade union IATSE (the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees), may face a lockout if their union continues to take an uncompromising stand on employment policies.  The big issue appears to be the union staffing requirements  during load-in, the days during which a new show is installed in a theatre.

Producers  are represented by  The League of American Theatres and Producers. Some producers have indicated that unless  a deal comes together within the next week or two, a lockout is lkley in October.  Strategically, this is unsurprising, since October tends to be a slower period for Broadway producers, before  things lead up to the booming holiday season.

Broadway's last work stoppage came in 2003, when musicians went on strike or four days befor the Mayor stepped in to get things back on track.  Broadway is a nearly $1 Billion industry, so city officials are again watching closely.