Strike Threatens Radio City

Musicians at Radio City Music Hall in New York City have authorized a strike, possibly putting the venue’s annual Christmas show in jeopardy.

At issue is overtime pay. According to David Lennon, the president of Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians, members of the venue’s 35-piece orchestra get $1,600 weekly for 12 shows a week, but Radio City’s operator is refusing overtime.

During the height of the Christmas season, the orchestra will play up to six times a day, Lennon said, adding that its contract expired in May and the parties have been negotiating since.

In a statement, Music Hall owner Cablevision said, “While we typically do not comment on labor negotiations, we will say that we fully expect to reach an agreement with our musicians.”

A 2003 strike by Local 802 shut down most of Broadway. Another strike in 2000 caused the New York City Ballet to use recorded music for 13 shows of “The Nutcracker.”