Stage workers at 3 major Central Virginia venues could go on strike
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- About 200 stage workers employed across three major venues -- two in the Richmond area and one in Charlottesville -- could go on strike after contract negotiations fell through, according to the union representing them. Stage workers employed at the Altria Theater, the Dominion Energy Center and the John Paul Jones Arena could soon go on strike after over six months of negotiations with ASM Global -- a management company -- which failed to result in a new contract, according to the Local 87 branch of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Throughout the negotiation process, these workers demanded fair wages and benefits. IATSE said that the current base rate of pay for stagehands at ASM Global's Richmond venues is below $20 per hour, making Richmond one of the lowest-paying markets in the region for that career. Richmond’s police chief caught going nearly 30 over posted speed limit "Worse, over the past six years, workers received minimal 1% annual raises from ASM with no increases in benefits, despite historically high inflation," the union said. A vote on whether or not to strike will take place on Monday, Jan. 20. "If a strike is called, it could disrupt several major events, including performances of MJ the Musical at The Altria Theatre and upcoming University of Virginia Men and Women’s College Basketball games at John Paul Jones Arena," the union said. IATSE's international president, Matthew Loeb, has reportedly pre-authorized the strike, should workers and ASM Global not reach a deal soon. Colonial Heights man to deploy to California as part of American Red Cross’ wildfire relief efforts “Our members play an essential role in delivering the exceptional productions and events that Richmond loves, yet the current pay remains unacceptably low,” said the Local 87 branch's business agent, Pat Lowery. “The physically demanding and highly technical nature of this work deserves a fair and livable wage. ASM's latest offer fails to meet the needs of working families or keep pace with recent rises in inflation.” IATSE represents over 168,000 workers in the entertainment industry. This includes those who work in live events, film, broadcast and more.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- About 200 stage workers employed across three major venues -- two in the Richmond area and one in Charlottesville -- could go on strike after contract negotiations fell through, according to the union representing them.
Stage workers employed at the Altria Theater, the Dominion Energy Center and the John Paul Jones Arena could soon go on strike after over six months of negotiations with ASM Global -- a management company -- which failed to result in a new contract, according to the Local 87 branch of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Throughout the negotiation process, these workers demanded fair wages and benefits.
IATSE said that the current base rate of pay for stagehands at ASM Global's Richmond venues is below $20 per hour, making Richmond one of the lowest-paying markets in the region for that career.
Richmond’s police chief caught going nearly 30 over posted speed limit
"Worse, over the past six years, workers received minimal 1% annual raises from ASM with no increases in benefits, despite historically high inflation," the union said.
A vote on whether or not to strike will take place on Monday, Jan. 20.
"If a strike is called, it could disrupt several major events, including performances of MJ the Musical at The Altria Theatre and upcoming University of Virginia Men and Women’s College Basketball games at John Paul Jones Arena," the union said.
IATSE's international president, Matthew Loeb, has reportedly pre-authorized the strike, should workers and ASM Global not reach a deal soon.
Colonial Heights man to deploy to California as part of American Red Cross’ wildfire relief efforts
“Our members play an essential role in delivering the exceptional productions and events that Richmond loves, yet the current pay remains unacceptably low,” said the Local 87 branch's business agent, Pat Lowery. “The physically demanding and highly technical nature of this work deserves a fair and livable wage. ASM's latest offer fails to meet the needs of working families or keep pace with recent rises in inflation.”
IATSE represents over 168,000 workers in the entertainment industry. This includes those who work in live events, film, broadcast and more.
