Kimmel Center and unionized stagehands make a deal in Philadelphia

Stagehands and other theatrical workers in Philadelphia are back on the job after having reached a contract agreement.  The deal puts the orchestra and other performing arts groups back in their homes.  

Kimmel Center management and the Stage Employees union reached a tentative three-year deal yesterday.  Michael Barnes of the union says it is a contract that gives everyone something to be happy about.

“We were able to address a few issues that were important, social media, simulcast issues that allows our resident companies to build up their audiences, we think that was a win win for everybody,” said Barnes.

Kimmel Center President Anne Ewers says she negotiated a contract with the future of performing arts in the city in mind.  She says union cooperation is a major part of the plan.

“We know by being creative with them, supporting them we will be able to provide more work for our wonderful unions,” said Ewers.

The agreement also covers wardrobe workers and ticket-takers among others who work in the Kimmel venues.  Details of the pact were not made available since it’s still waiting ratification by the rank and file.