B’way show of force for union

BROADWAY CASTING directors trying to get a union contract held a rally and march in Times Square on Monday.

They belong to one of the few categories of workers on Broadway not covered by a union — and casting directors have been battling with the Broadway League for months to get recognition as part of Teamsters Local 817.

“We aren’t going away until these essential Broadway workers get the fair deal they deserve,” said Tom O’Donnell, head of Local 817.

“We are talking about health care and retirement for about 40 people in an industry that is making billions. It is shameful how Broadway producers are treating their casting directors, and we will make sure fans know,” he said.

The city’s roughly 40 Broadway casting directors aren’t paid a set wage and don’t get health care or retirement contributions from the shows they work on — even though Broadway producers grossed $1.5 billion last year.

Ginger Adams Otis

Broadway casting directors and their boosters rally Monday in Shubert Alley, along with Teamsters Local 817 President Tom O’Donnell (right), in bid to secure a union contract.