The union said it was withdrawing the petition because the producers of the nonunion tour now plan to end its run in June.
Actors’ Equity, the union representing performers and stage managers, has withdrawn its attempt to organize a touring production of “Waitress,” and instead has filed a grievance against the musical’s producers.
The union last month filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board, seeking an election to represent the nonunion touring cast and stage managers, saying they were doing the same work as those working for a touring production of the same show, but being paid far less.
But on Thursday the union said it was withdrawing the petition because the producers of the nonunion tour said they were ending its run in June, which is too soon for the election process to take place. The union said the tour had previously planned performances into next year.
The union said that it had filed a grievance against the musical’s licensors, Barry and Fran Weissler and the National Artists Management Company (NAMCO), for “double-breasting” — simultaneously running union and non-union operations.
A “Waitress” spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Source: Theater - nytimes.com
