Houston, Bob.  “Union, Civic Center Reach Accord; Opening Won't Be Marred,” Jamestown (NY) Post-Journal 11 October 1990

Union, Civic Center Reach Accord; Opening Won't Be Marred
     By Bob Houston

   A tentative agreement between the management of the Reg Lenna Civic Center and the International Alliance of Theater Stagehands' Local Union No. 226, which clears the way for the Civic Center's grand reopening Friday, is expected to be ratified by union members during the voting this afternoon.

   The agreement was reached late Wednesday after four months of negotiation, said Philip Morris, executive director of the Civic Center.
   As the date of the Civic Center's grand reopening neared and the union did not have a contract, the threat that union picketing would mar Friday's festivities became a serious concern for the Civic Center management.

   The union represents about 25 local members, Morris said.

   "This was a first-time contract between the Civic Center and the stagehands," Morris said, "so it was fairly important that it work right for both parties."

   Because there had been no previous contract with the union, Morris said, there were many details to be worked out.
   Negotiations "are kind of messy," Morris said, "but that's kind of the way it's set up to be. However, we did succeed in getting things pretty well resolved."

   Morris said he is pleased with the agreement.

   "I think we have an agreement that will last us through the years," he said. "I'm looking forward to Friday and these guys being here."
   David Shepherd, president of the Civic Center board of directors, said Wednesday before the agreement was reached, "Basically, the union is concerned that their jurisdiction on the stage is recognized. And what we at the Civic Center have been looking for is flexibility to run the center in a way that will guarantee financial accessibility (for those who want to present programs in the facility) and ease of administration."
   John R. Samuelson, a member of the union's negotiating team, said the agreement reached last night means the union will represent all stagehands, not just part-time workers.

   "And I do feel confident our membership will ratify the agreement this afternoon," Samuelson said.

   Further, he said, "We joined with the Civic Center in working toward this tremendous  improvement in the Jamestown community and we'll work our hardest to make sure it's a success.

   Union members will be on the job Friday to ensure a smooth first night ceremony, Samuelson said.

   The grand reopening of the theater begins at noon Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Third Street outside the Civic Center.
   Guest dignitaries are expected to include actor Mitchell Anderson, Kitty Carlisle Hart and Lt. Gov. Stan Lundine.

   Anderson, a 1979 graduate of Jamestown High School, will be master of ceremonies during Friday evening's grand opening stage show.
   The young Jamestown native portrays Dr. Jack McGuire on television's Doogie Howser, M. D., and will appear as Huckleberry Finn in Return to Hannibal on the Disney Channel this month.

   Mrs. Hart is director of the New York Council on the Arts.

   Lundine is a former Jamestown mayor and 34th District congressman.

(2 photos, not included:  Mitchell Anderson and Stan Lundine)

04/27/2004

jpl