Broadway contract talks at impasse

Broadway producers say they will impose some of the terms of their latest contract offer on the stagehands union Monday, a move that could increase the possibility of a work stoppage shutting down most Broadway theaters during the fall season.

Negotiations between the producers and union have stalled, with each side presenting final offers last week. The producers are demanding more flexibility in the number of stagehands hired, while the union, Local One, is determined to preserve jobs.

“We are forced to implement because Local One will not pursue meaningful change,” said Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of the League of American Theatres and Producers.

The union has scheduled a strike authorization vote for Sunday. The vote does not mean members would strike. It would only give union leaders the authority to call a walkout if they deemed it necessary.