The fairness of the actors states that he was not consulted in the policy relating to the mask; Broadway League Defines New Approach “Fully Consistent” with Negotiated Protocols – Update

Update on the Broadway League response In a letter to members of the Actors’ Equity Association and received on Deadline, the union said the Broadway League had decided in July to adopt a “no mask” policy for members of the public “unilaterally, without a union”.

In response to Deadline, the league said the masked election declaration “is fully in line with our fully negotiated security protocols.” (See full statement below.)

The League, a trade organization representing theater owners and producers, said Tuesday that audience members in July will be encouraged, but not required, to wear masks in theaters. The policy, which is reassessed monthly, ends the Broadway Audience Mask mandate, which comes into effect after theaters reopen following the closure of Covid.

Although Equity, which represents actors and stage managers in the theater, did not publicly respond to the league’s statement, a letter sent Wednesday to its members said the unions “only received a few hours’ notice.” [League’s] The declaration and this union were not solicited by the union from producers and owners to determine the policy of elective masks.

In response, Broadway League President Charlotte St. Martin said in a statement to Deadline: “Since the start of the pandemic, the League has worked closely with our union colleagues and relevant health and safety experts to ensure that we provide the best protocol. for our staff For safety. These ongoing protocols reflect the agreements reached with our negotiating partners, including the agreement that we do not require our viewers to wear masks in our theaters. Therefore, the decision announced on public face masks is fully in line with our safety protocols in full negotiation. We are proud of the work we have done with our unions to develop our industry leading health and safety protocols. “

In a letter from Equity, the union told members that the union had consulted with public health and medical consultants and that these consultants “assure us that the best COVID-19 mitigation efforts available today in theatrical workplaces are. focus on ventilation “.

“We continue to negotiate with the League on ventilation standards in rehearsal spaces and theaters, including on stage and backstage,” the letter read, reminding members that the League’s decision to wear a spectator mask requires “dIt does not change the current protocols of the members behind the scenes.

The letter also includes a statement from Dr Mark Cunningham-Hill, the union’s senior public health consultant, who notes that “as more theaters meet public demands, Equity is looking to increase ventilation in all of its locations.”

“Ventilation,” continues Cunningham Hill, “is critical to filtering, diluting and even killing viruses in the air to reduce the risk of airborne viruses such as COVID.” “Investing in ventilation will not only help keep everyone safe during this pandemic, it will also protect them from the flu and other aircraft diseases now and in the future.”

The letter concludes with the union asking members to “share their views on finalizing hearing coverage rules and their safety at work.”

We offer the letter in its entirety:

By now you may have heard that the Broadway League is moving towards a “disguised” policy for Broadway shows for July audiences. This decision was made unilaterally, without your consent or any other union, and the unions were informed in advance a few hours before the announcement.

During the pandemic, Equity’s safety protocols focused on conditions on stage and behind the scenes, where our health and medical consultants see the greatest opportunity to improve the safety of stage directors and performers. In consultation with them today, they assure us that the best COVID-19 mitigation efforts available today for theatrical workplaces are focused on ventilation.

This is what Dr. Mark Cunningham-Hill says:

“We hope to overcome the worst of the pandemic, but there is still the risk of SARS-CoV-2, which may continue for some time. That’s why, as more and more theaters cater to the needs of the public, Equity seeks to improve the ventilation of all of its workplaces. Ventilation is critical for filtering, diluting and even removing viruses in the air to reduce the risk of airborne viruses such as COVID. Investing in ventilation will not only help keep everyone safe during this pandemic, but will also help protect you from the flu and other aircraft diseases now and in the future. “

The League’s decision on the mandates of masks in the auditoriums does not change the protocols behind the scenes for members. We continue to negotiate with the league on rehearsal standards in venues and theaters, including on stage and behind the scenes. Adding your voice to a safety conversation sends a strong message to your employers that they need to take you seriously and take action now.

With this in mind, we would like to ask you to share your thoughts on completing the hearing coverage rules and your safety at work. Please complete this short survey to share your thoughts on the link.

Every member who speaks sends a message: When everyone speaks together, their employers can’t ignore what they have to say.