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Union on Strike Against Owner of Arlington Theatre
Members of a local stagehand union have gone on strike and say they will boycott all live shows at The Arlington Theatre because of failed contract negotiations with its owner, Metropolitan Theatre Corp.
There are about 60 employees in Local 442 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts.
The union has been negotiating with MTC, which also owns several movie theaters, since its contract expired in February 2009.
All shows and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival will go on as scheduled, MTC corporate representative Allen Gilbert said.
The Arlington has contracted with the union for decades, Gilbert said. The theater is the company’s only stage for live shows, thus the only one affected by the contract dispute. The company’s various movie theaters are unaffected.
A proposed contract included pay raises and a “new stage utility classification to enable a broad range of people to work live shows at The Arlington,” according to a company statement.
Negotiations involved international representatives for the union and a federal mediator. Terms were initially agreed upon, but then were voted down when the proposal went to Local 442, Gilbert said.
Eric Moore, vice president of the union chapter, said the classification change would threaten job security for employees. He said that some of the proposed clauses would allow the theater to hire nonunion help for a few dollars less than union members receive.
His fear, Moore said, is that the theater would hire a few experienced people but mostly cheaper, nonunion labor in the future. “To sign off on it means you’re OK with it, which we’re not,” he said.
Gilbert said the company “just wanted to have that flexibility,” adding that it has bargained in good faith and proposed a contract it believed was fair and reasonable. The latest proposal was presented earlier this month.
He said the company was unaware of what the union wanted — just that it was striking because of something in the contract.
“The members of Local 442 voted to reject our best and final proposal without notifying us what is unacceptable about the agreement,” a company statement said.
The Arlington will bring in nonunion help for its shows, and at least one union employee has agreed to continue working, Gilbert said.
Union members say they will picket all of The Arlington’s live shows — the first being Charlie Rose this Saturday — until a contract deal is reached.
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival includes movies — which are unaffected — and live elements, which require the work of stagehands. The festival will be in early February, and members plan to strike then, too, if necessary.
Union members are hoping for solidarity from other local stagehands and from the community, asking residents to boycott live shows during the strike.
There are about 100 local stagehands on a “casual list” that often supplement union employees during periods of high demand, such as simultaneous shows in the Santa Barbara area.
Union member Tony Mitchell said stagehands are responsible for everything on stage, which requires a variety of skills — from being an electrician to a carpenter. In a concert, for example, members unload tractor-trailers of gear, hang lights, and put up the set, band gear and props.
Mitchell, who sometimes tours with bands, said many of the stagehands have other jobs.
The union has contracts with other theaters — including The Granada, the Lobero Theatre, the Santa Barbara Bowl and the Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center — but they’re undisputed and unaffected.
Mitchell, who’s been working in the union for 30 years, said that in these economic times, it means a lot that union members would rather strike than accept the contract as is.
“We don’t want to be on strike,” he said. “We want to work. We’re not paid to be on strike.”
There were no negotiations scheduled as of Wednesday, but both sides said they hope a fair compromise will be reached soon.
— Noozhawk staff writer Giana Magnoli can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
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» on 01.13.10 @ 09:47 PM
The useless unions are destroying every business and government agency they touch—100 years ago we needed them like the hourse buggy, but now we have millions of government workers protecting the workers—too mny agency’s..go union go broke—new slogan in the U.S..
» on 01.13.10 @ 11:42 PM
I agree
unions ruined california education
they are ruining our city government and tanking its budgets
they have bankrupt california
if they go on strike, there will be 20 guys willing to take their place
» on 01.14.10 @ 09:28 AM
I’m curious…don’t unions make sure that the people they represent are trained and qualified to do their jobs?
I used to work in the theater myself and a hell of a lot can go wrong backstage and in the house, if you don’t have properly trained people doing their jobs. If this is the case, then I point my finger at the management company for attempting to risk the future welfare of our performers and theater goers with the possibility of hiring less than skilled professionals just to save a few bucks.
I don’t think unions ruined America, Americans who wanted cheap labor did. Americans who thought only of how to keep their pockets lined and how better to cut cost corners, ruined America. Unions were developed to protect the American worker who wasn’t being honored by their fellow Americans.
» on 01.14.10 @ 10:30 AM
Yah sb native they were created to protect the exploited laborer, but they too are guilty of exploitation as well. The Arlington is a beautiful theatre and I don’t think the management or patrons would let it sink…in fact ‘unions ruining sb’ is right there are plenty of people who need work and would readily take the job so long as their pride or self defeating sense of entitlement doesn’t get in the way.
» on 01.14.10 @ 11:27 AM
Thats why they are union—Go union Go broke—the new American Slogan—especially-Gov—what a joke..
» on 01.14.10 @ 12:28 PM
The Arlington has provided our community with great live performances for ages at a reasonable costs. The Corwin Family had been very generous for decades offering the Arlington to our school districts for events, our civil leaders for town-hall meetings, our community has benefited greatly. For Local 442 to ask this community to boycot Arlington is irresponsible and incredibly selfish. Too bad there is not the opportunity for Arlington to work with another entity. Local 442 has a sense of entitlement as only a monopoly could.
» on 01.15.10 @ 09:44 AM
Yes, education stinks in CA. It’s clear that’s true when people call the workers the ones who have a monopoly.
How many theater chains own theaters in Santa Barbara? OK, now what’s the definition of a monopoly?
Also, if you actually compare union membership nationwide with the state of the U.S. economy, our economy was strongest when unions were the strongest.
» on 01.15.10 @ 09:45 AM
We know what it means when an employer wants “flexibility”, and it’s even more blatant when management says we want “a broad range of people to work live shows at The Arlington.” Management wants cheaper labor to undermine the union. Striking is the only option if management wants to undermine good union jobs and risk safety issues and production snafus.
» on 01.15.10 @ 09:52 AM
All of the union haters who’ve commented aren’t paying attention to history or to the current reality. This Local has not demanded unreasonable wages, and the article says that wages were not the issue—job security is (“flexibility” for management means undermining the quality jobs, for which skilled employees are well paid. Bad management hates that!). Imagine that, in these times. Without unions, there would be an even more rapid race to the bottom in terms of mistreatment of workers and stagnation and inequality of wages everywhere; that has been the result of the unions’ decline in this country. What has ruined this state and its education system is Proposition 13 and the foolish requirement that the legislature must have a 2/3 majority to pass a budget, giving the Republicans inordinate power as the minority party. To put it succinctly, it’s the Republicans, stupid!
» on 01.15.10 @ 10:10 AM
Yes, education stinks in CA. It’s clear that’s true when people call the workers the ones who have a monopoly.
How many theater chains own theaters in Santa Barbara? OK, now what’s the definition of a monopoly?
Also, if you actually compare union membership nationwide with the state of the U.S. economy, our economy was strongest when unions were the strongest.
» on 01.15.10 @ 11:09 AM
The union stagehands who work the theaters in this town are real pros, and deserve a substantial wage and the community’s support. The production companies who come here have the bucks to pay for quality productions, and theaters like the Arlington, Lobero and Granada shouldn’t be nickel-and-diming their skilled workers who make the shows as good as they are, or can be, with little fanfare or appreciation. Please support this action.
» on 01.15.10 @ 11:46 AM
They are useless in this day and age—Look what they have done to Auto-Air-Mining-Steel-Governemnt- all bankrupt because of unions—Just wait—Government is just starting to bleed—its going to get ungly—Unions keep the worst workers—lazy entittled welfare typs on payroll—
Not the sharpest tools in the shed in Gov..
» on 01.16.10 @ 12:41 AM
“Sully” Sullenberger, pilot here who landed his dying aircraft in the hudson was a union guy. ‘nuff said.
» on 01.16.10 @ 11:23 AM
I’m not sure why the theater representative says he does not know what the union wants - the basic positions of both sides seem to be summarized in this article. I find it hard to believe that these issues were not discussed in negotiations. Unions did not arise because workers needed somewhere to waste hard earned money paying dues. They arose because of centuries of abuse and exploitation of workers and employees by management and employers. However, if possible, it would be nice if the union would make an exception to the strike for the MLK Day rally/concert this coming Monday morning. Dr. King was a staunch supporter of working people, the rally is a not-for-profit event free to the public, and I would guess that the theater owner has more or less donated the use of the theater for the event. John Douglas (member, local 308, AFM)
» on 01.16.10 @ 01:11 PM
Thank you Mr. Douglas for sharing your opinion. Mr. Bruce Corwin, the MTC representive quoted in the article , is the same individual who will most likey provide (already has) the Arlington for free to allow Dr. King’s rally and concert this coming Monday. Mr. Corwin has been generous to offer the Arlington free of rent for decades to host hundreds of events that benefit our community. It is unfortunate that Local 442 and MTC have come to head. After all these years - both sides need to go back to the table.
» on 01.17.10 @ 09:39 PM
It is truly amazing how people seem to forget without Unions we would be working 14 hour days for less than minimum wage. In the Entertainment business it is important to remember that Producers and Productions are a dime a dozen. It is a normal occurrence to work a show or a Film and not get paid because the producer disappeared or went out of business. For the longest times The professionals in the Entertainment industry have worked without pay because there was no Union to protect there rights. The producer just leaves town. With Unions in the Entertainment industry the Technicians and Actors all attempt to maintain a working wage in a ruthless business full of egos and attitudes.
MLK would be proud of you IATSE 442.
Support you local entertainment Union and help these folks out that work your dance recites, Graduations, Films, Theater events and much much more.
Local Film Maker
» on 01.17.10 @ 09:42 PM
Press Release Update
January 17, 2010
THE INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE OF THEATRICAL STAGE EMPLOYEES, (I.A.T.S.E. LOCAL 442)
SEEKS TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF OUR CONTINUED STRIKE EFFORT AGAINST METROPOLITAN THEATRES
(MTC) AT THE ARLINGTON THEATRE SANTA BARBARA
OUR PROUD UNION MEMBERS WILL BE MARCHING IN THIS MONDAYS UPCOMING PARADE TO COMMEMORATE MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY. FOLLOWING THE PARADE WE WILL CONDUCT AN INFORMATIONAL ACTION HANDING OUT INFORMATIONAL LEAFLETS AT THE ARLINGTON AS PART OF OUR CONTINUING CONTRACT DISPUTE WIT MTC.
THIS IN NO WAY IS MEANT TO DISRESPECT THE MEMORY OF DR. KING, THE COMMUNITY AND ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED.
UNION STRIKE CHAIRPERSON TONY MITCHELL NOTES, “ MY FATHER WORKED WITH DR. KING; MY GODFATHER, LERONE BENNET JR. IS A NOTED BLACK HISTORIAN, AND DR. KING WOULD BE THE FIRST TO SAY YOU HAVE TO STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS ON MY DAY”
ONCE AGAIN WE IMPLORE METROPOLITAN THEATRES TO COME BACK TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE SO WE CAN GET BACK TO WORK AND FEED OUR FAMILIES.
Thank You
IATSE 442
FILM, TV, Theater. Entertainment
» on 01.18.10 @ 11:41 AM
Look what the took from taxpayers—heath care exemption from taxes—the hell with us…obama and the liberals are paid off union hacks…sock puppets..
» on 01.18.10 @ 07:36 PM
The Men and Women of the IATSE are true professional who have unionized to ensure safe and equitable work environments, job security reflective of their training and experience, and a fair living wage for themselves and their families. These go to the very heart of what IASTE #442 is asking for and nothing more! Our local stage technicians are not tax payer bailed out bank executives demanding 7 or 8 figure bonuses, they simply would like an honest days pay for an honest days work.
Furthermore is has been the IATSE task to ensure that experienced, component and knowledgeable production technicians for this community for the past several decades, and had done so with incredible success and professionalism. This current proposal from MTC would completely circumvent this staffing process allowing for a much greater likelihood for errors onstage, faults in live production shows, no to mention a greatly reduced level of safety both on and off stage. The next time you are watching a live stage event, take a moment to look at the lighting and scenic equipment hanging in the air above you and the performers. How little experience and know-how the people who hang all that to have.
IATSE Local #442 simply wants to continue providing this community with the same level of high production values and quality of show that they have for the past many years. They are local labors and professionals that live in and are a part of this great community and want ensure the best of entertainment quality for it. Please support this most noble of causes and continue Santa Barbara’s great tradition of a thriving and vibrate arts community.
» on 01.18.10 @ 09:54 PM
The wise words of Henry Rollins best sums it up… ” Listen to the stage manager and get on stage when they tell you to. Know one has time for the Rock Star Bull****. None of the techs backstage care if you’re David Bowie or the milkman . When you act like a jerk, they are completely unimpressed with the infantile display that you might think comes with you’re dubious status. They were there hours before you building the stage, and they will be there hours after you tearing it down. They should get your salary and you should get theirs…......”
Rock On IATSE 442.
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