Radio City musicians go on strike day before show
Despite the musicians' strike, Radio City said in a statement that the Christmas show will go on with a recorded musical. The orchestra's five year contract expired in May, and meetings since then have failed to agree with the Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians on salary and overtime issues.By ELIZABETH LeSURE
The Associated Press
NEW YORK, Nov. 2 -- Musicians for the Radio City Music Hall's famed "Christmas Spectacular" went on strike Wednesday, the day before the show was scheduled to open for the holiday season.
Saela Chin, a member of the Radio City Rockettes models a new costume as other Rockettes practice for the new season, in this Thursday, Oct. 27, file photo in New York. Musicians for the Radio City Music Hall's famed "Christmas Spectacular" went on strike on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2005, the day before the show was set to open for the holiday season, their union said. (AP Photo/Jeff Christensen)David Lennon, president of Local 802, said the Rockettes had walked out in support of the musicians' strike, but Radio City officials denied that. The unionized Rockettes, who agreed to a contract agreement last month, could not immediately be reached for comment.
Radio City said in a statement that the Christmas show would go on _ with a recorded musical score.
"Local 802 has continued to lie about Radio City's position," the statement said. It said Radio City had offered the musicians increases in salary and benefits "over what is already the most lucrative contract in the industry."
The labor strife has created uncertainty for the Christmas show, which has entertained families for seven decades. People pay up to $250 a ticket.
The orchestra's five-year contract expired in May, and meetings since then have failed to produce an agreement with Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians on salary and overtime issues.
Last week, hundreds of musicians and supporters staged a boisterous, music-filled protest in front of the hall.
The union accuses Cablevision, the company that owns Radio City, of underpaying musicians who put on several shows a day throughout the holiday season.
Story Produced by: Emily Hayes
