NEW YORK, NY — More than 10,000 supporters have signed a petition “Tell the Atlantic Theater: Make a Fair Deal for Workers”, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) announced Friday. This announcement marks growing support for the Atlantic Theater Company’s backstage crew, who has been on strike for nearly a month.
Last February, the Atlantic Theater Company’s production crew, including carpenters, electricians, painters, audio and video technicians, hairdressers, makeup artists, and wardrobe workers, voted nearly unanimously to unionize. The workers are looking for a fair contract that pays a living wage and addresses workers’ needs, including industry-standard healthcare coverage.
Despite months of negotiations for a first contract, management has consistently stalled the process. On January 12, 2025 management attempted to impose non-negotiable conditions and threatened to cancel upcoming shows, motivating the 90+ worker unit to UNANIMOUSLY vote to authorize a strike.
The Atlantic’s management has now indefinitely postponed two Off-Broadway shows: “Grief Camp” and “I’m Assuming You Know David Greenspan,” both of which were set to begin previews in early January.
The surge in petition signatures also follows five NY Elected Officials writing a joint letter urging the Atlantic Theater Company to resume good faith negotiations the week prior. Supporters can still add your name to the petition urging the Atlantic Theater Company to resume good faith negotiations and reach a fair agreement with its crew.
