Local Theater Workers Union Headed For A Shut Down
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- An impending strike by the local theatrer workers union could shut down productions at the Kimmel Center, Merriam Theatre and the Academy of Music.
The international alliance of theatrical state employees local 8, which represents 700-ushers, ticket takers and stage hands working in the Philadelphia area, says the union has been in negotiations with the Kimmel Center Management for a number of weeks on a new labor contract.
Among the areas of disagreement - working conditions, wages and benefits. A spokesman for the union says if a deal isn't reached by the deadline of midnight Friday, that the workers will go on strike.
The Kimmel Center released a statement, saying "They are confident that the unions will engage positively toward the fiscal health of the Kimmel Center and Resident Companies."
In reaction to the possible strike, a concert scheduled to kick off the Kimmel Center's 10th Anniversary Season tomorrow(Saturday night) has been postponed to November 30th.
