| Writers Strike Threatens Broadway Business for Busy Holiday Season |
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It's not only Hollywood that is affected by the entertainment writer's strike - in New York, Broadway shows have been cancelled with no close resolution in sight. Negotiations Sunday night did not end in a settlement, which will prolong the strike that has alrerady been going for 9 days. Representative of the League of American Theatres and Producers released this statement: "We are profoundly disappointed to have to tell you that talks broke off tonight, and that no further negotiations are scheduled. We presented a comprehensive proposal that responded to the union's concerns about loss of jobs and earnings and attempted to address our need for some flexibilities in running our business. The union rejected our effort to compromise and continues to require us to hire more people than we need."
Many businesses that rely on Broadway tourism fear substantial financial loss if the strike does not end soon. Currently, the weak dollar has provided supplementary income from European visitors coming to New York to shop. However, if the theatres continues to be closed, many tourists will plan their vacations elsewhere. Thanksgiving week is said to be the 2nd most lucrative time for Broadway theatres, with negotiations falling through, the industry will lose tremdendously from this opportunity.
For more information, visit New York Times report: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/19/theater/19cnd-strike.html?hp
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