Union of Broadway Theater Service Workers Authorizes Strike; Bargaining Continues Through Thursday

Broadway theater service workers belonging to the union 32BJ SEIU voted unanimously today to give their bargaining committee the authority to settle or strike more than 30 Broadway League theaters along New York City’s Great White Way. The union’s current contract expires on December 31, meaning a strike could happen as early as January 1.

The union — which represents the cleaners, porters and matrons who work at Broadway theaters — began contract negotiations with the Broadway League on December 3. In a statement, the union’s Secretary Treasurer, Hector Figueroa is quoted as saying, “Today the members sent a strong message to the League. The people who clean these celebrated theaters demand a fair contract with higher wages, a secure retirement and improved access to healthcare.”

The Broadway League issued a statement earlier today from executive director Charlotte St. Martin, saying that negotiations with the union are going well and “We are confident that we will reach an agreement in a reasonable period of time and are moving forward. The strike authorization vote taken today is common practice for Trade Unions during negotiations. We are proud that many of our employees represented by the SEIU Local 32BJ have worked for Broadway for 10, 15, or even 25 years. Their longevity confirms that we are fair employers who care about the people who work for us on behalf of our industry.”

Negotiations are currently scheduled to continue through Thursday, December 17.