Broadway to go dark?

Contract negotiations between the Broadway stagehands' union and the League of American Theaters and Producers are at a standstill. The stagehands have been working without a contract since July. The impasse involves the load-in period — when equipment is brought into the Broadway theaters. Producers say the rules require them to be pay the union members even when there is no work to do. If the union rejects the LATP's final offer, the producers could lock out the stagehands and shut down most theaters. It would take the union longer to arrange a strike. The last time Broadway went dark was in 2003 when the musicians' union went on a 4-day strike. Perhaps they will keep negotiating and reach an agreement before Broadway is shut down.