Labor Contract Set To Expire At Kimmel Center

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 8's labor contract with the Kimmel Center is set to expire at midnight on Friday. Union leaders say they are ready to hit the picket line if an agreement is not reached.

The Local 8 represents more than 700 ushers, stage hands, ticket sellers and others who work back stage at local theatres.

Mike Barnes, union business agent, says the main sticking points in the negotiation with the Kimmel Center includes: wages, working conditions, benefits and more.

"Some of the major issue is the management's insistence to bring in alternative worker force to replace majority of the workers that have been serving the building for the last 10 years."

Barnes says the local has been negotiating with Kimmel Center for the last 60 days. He says if the two groups do not reach agreement by the deadline, the workers will have no choice but to hit the streets.

"We will go on strike at 12:01 on October 1st."

Barnes says the strike could shut down productions at the Kimmel Center, Merriam Theatre and the Academy of Music.

The Kimmel Center released a statement, which reads in part: "There is not an obvious way forward with the economy faltering and the Orchestra in bankruptcy. Kimmel Center management looks forward to engaging the labor unions in creating a sustainable solution to these challenges."

Reported by Cherri Gregg, KYW Newsradio 1060