Hundreds Rally in New York to Support the Atlantic Theater Company's Crew

In February of 2024, production workers at the Atlantic voted nearly unanimously in favor of unionizing with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) in hopes of having a voice and fair treatment in their workplace. Over the past several months, the IATSE has patiently attempted to come to terms on a fair union contract that is equitable to both the Atlantic and its workers. However, despite these efforts, progress has been stalled. Worse, the IATSE has been forced to pursue unfair labor practice claims surrounding the underhanded tactics advanced by the Atlantic’s leadership, including an attempt to starve out the crew through the postponement of a major production that would have opened the season in autumn 2024.

The Atlantic has a legal obligation to bargain in good faith. More importantly, it has a moral responsibility to honor its mission by respecting the workers who make its productions possible. These employees are integral to the success of every performance and deserve to have their contributions recognized with a fair union contract. On Tuesday, hundreds of supporters including NYC CLC President Vincent Alvarez and members of fellow entertainment unions joined Atlantic union members to demand that the Atlantic Theater’s Board of Directors make a fair deal covering these crewmembers. Check out video here, and read more in The Chief-Leader!