“14-Hour Day Not Unusual Theatre Workers Assert”

Headline: “14-Hour Day Not Unusual Theatre Workers Assert”

That the 14-hour working day is not at all uncommon in Twin City theatres, is the assertion made by striking theatrical workers who are seeking to enforce a one day’s rest in seven rule in Minneapolis and St. Paul showhouses.

In a statement issued by the union committee Wednesday afternoon they present their side of the controversy to the public. The complete statement follows:

“The controversy existing at present between the stage employees of this city and St. Paul, and the managerial association of both cities involves the question of one day’s rest in seven. The stage employees are entering upon the fourth day of their strike in protest against the seven-day week. They wish to submit to the public the true conditions which exist at the present time.

“In some of the theatres they are compelled to work from 13 to 14 hours on Sunday, with scarcely sufficient time to get out for meals. They are subject to very late hours on Saturday night, owing to the fact that the majority of shows close their engagement at that time and must be prepared to leave for their next engagement. They are also subject to all-night work, such as pulting on “tank acts” and various other acts of that type. The department heads of each theatre are subject to call every morning of the week at the call of the manager, for the upkeep of their respective departments. In theatres such as the State theatre of this city, and the Capitol theatre in St. Paul, stage employees are compelled to work until 3 and 4 o’clock in the morning, and very often later, and are compelled to report the same morning at the theatre at 10 o’clock. Although the men receive extra compensation for such work, nevertheless it works hardship upon them and denies them the society of their families, which members of other crafts enjoy. In stock theatres, such as the Shubert and Palace of this city, and the President and Lyceum of St. Paul, stage employees are required, in addition to working the current attraction, to build and prepare the next week’s show. In these houses the request was made for additional help, but the request was withdrawn in deference to one day’s rest in seven. Also the demand for a guarantee for 30 weeks at the Metronolitan theatres in both cities, was withdrawn.

“This controversy involves in the Twin Cities, 130 stage employees, and 16 theatres. The stage employees of the Twin Cities feel that inasmuch as the one day per week rest is established in theatres throughout the country, their request is not unreasonable nor unjust.”