ATPAM And Off-Broadway League Re-Up
Basic Agreement
New York, NY; Wednesday, August 15th -- At
approximately 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time, The Association of Theatrical Press Agents
and Managers announced that agreement has been reached with the League of
Off-Broadway Theatres and Producers for a successor agreement to the Minimum
Basic Agreement for Off-Broadway, which expired on June 30, 2001.
The new five year contract also covers the wages and working
conditions for company managers and press agents working in the Off Broadway
arena. The contract calls for 5% wage increase in the first year for managers,
followed by 3.5% increase in second year and a CPI increase at no less than 3.0%
in years three through five. Press Agents will receive 3.25% wage increase in
the first year followed by C.P.I. increase in second year a CPI increase at no
less than 3.0% in years three through five.
Out Of Town Transfer Language
Stumbling Block Overcome
The new out-of-town transfer language was the last item to be
agreed-to in a negotiation process that lasted nearly two months. The language,
which never appeared in the contract before, covers increased salaries for press
agents and managers working on shows that rehearse in New York, move to an
out-of -town venue and return to New York to open in an Off Broadway house.
New Terms and Conditions
For the first time, the contract will include indemnification
language and Annuity contributions. Other highlights of the agreed-to contract
include increased bond for press agent expenses, requirement of both a press
agent and manager contract in 199 seat houses, additional guarantees for
recording cast albums, meal money for managers, computer equipment rental
reimbursement for managers, and increased seventh day overtime pay.
On shows that have run 26 weeks or more, the press agent may
be laid off three weeks prior to closing of the show, provided no additional
work is required of the press agent during that period.
ATPAM President Maria A. Somma said, "The Union’s
Negotiating Team did an extraordinary job in what was, at times, a protracted
negotiation and diligently worked toward ATPAM’s goal of an improved
contract." Secretary-Treasurer Gordon G. Forbes agreed, "Each member
contributed untold hours of preparation and negotiation time to achieve the best
contract possible for every member and were able to raise employment standards
Off Broadway."
The new five year deal will run through June of 2006.
| A copy of the signed agreement and rates tables can be found in the Members
Only area of our website. |
|
