Off Broadway League Update
The Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers has learned the Off
Broadway League has instructed its members not to sign any Interim Agreement
with the Union. ATPAM had created an Interim Agreement (see
related story) which protects both the
members of ATPAM, and the Employers’ relationship with the League.
Additionally, the Interim Agreement clearly states that when and if a contract
with the League is finalized, it will supersede the interim agreement.
By demanding that their members not sign the Interim Agreement, the Off
Broadway League has placed the membership of the Union in an unfortunate
situation. Members can not work without a contract or risk losing their good
standing. This loss of status could jeopardize their work on Broadway or the
road. It also could jeopardize the members’ benefits because it is illegal for
the Funds Office to accept remittances on behalf of the members who are working
without a contract. It is important each member request his or her employer sign
the Interim Contract so that the member can continue providing the employer with
the level of quality work producers and general managers have come to expect of
ATPAM members as well as receive the benefits the member has earned.
The Interim Agreement reflects the last best offer the Union presented to the
League before talks broke down. To recap, the two sides held several meetings
including a marathon session to reach agreement on the new contract language.
The Union negotiators believed the two sides had reached an agreement but during
the housekeeping phase, the OB League lead negotiator reopened several items and
refused to agree to anything until his demands were accepted (for the full
description of events leading up to this situation, see
related story).
The Union will keep its membership informed as things develop.
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