For the benefit of readers who lack a Masters degree education in Labor Law, or a brain in their skulls, when workers return to their job site with no conditions or stipulations after a walk-out, and their boss responds, “No, I will not allow you to return to work,” that is not a strike. That’s called a lock-out, and it’s what management has done to the union musicians at the Radio City “Christmas Spectacular.”
Throughout contract negotiations with Local 802 of the Musicians union, Cablevision, the managers of the Radio City Christmas Show have made outrageous and provocative demands. Although the union and Cablevision are agreed on all financial matters in the contract negotiations, management will not let the union return until…well, it’s not really clear why they won’t sign the contract and let the musicians return.
“We have told the musicians in no uncertain terms that until there is an agreement and there is no possibility of them walking out on future performances, they remain on strike and cannot return to the Music Hall,” doth decreed the pinheads at Cablevision. Again, it’s a minor point, but I am a stickler for such things, it’s only a strike if the union decides not to work. If the union workers unconditionally offer to work, and the boss refuses to let them, it’s a lock out.
Call the Radio City box office at 212-307-1000 and tell them to bring live music back to the Christmas show. Sign the damn contract.
Hey, this has nothing to do with politics but I think I went to junior high with you?! Did you go to 172? I randomly found your blog so I thought I’d ask.
Yes, I did go to 172 (which has changed its name about twelve times since we left). I remember that you were waaay into the Beatles, when you should have been waaaay into Pearl Jam (it was 1992, after all).
That’s so funny, I remembered you being a Socialist (or whatever offshoot of the Socialist party you are part of.) Do you talk to anyone from school still?