NYC comedians to go on Strike

[unfrufru]

No Joke: Comedians May Go On Strike

Talk of the Nation, December 22, 2004 · It doesn't always pay to be funny. Especially if you're an unknown stand-up comic living in New York City. Fed up with decades of measly paychecks and indifferent bookers, over 300 comedians have formed a new group, the New York Comedians Coalition. Two weeks ago, the coalition sent a letter to owners of 11 clubs asking for their first significant pay raise in decades. If the demands aren't met, the comedians are going on strike.



New York comics threaten strike

New Year's Eve is the biggest comedy night in New York

Comedians in New York are threatening to strike if the city's comedy clubs do not give them a pay rise.

More than 300 performers have formed the New York Comedians Coalition to campaign for better money.

They say rates of $75 (£40) for weekend sets and as low as $15 (£7.80) for 20-minute weekday sets are beyond a joke.

"We've been making the same wage since 1985," said comedian Ted Alexandro, who added drinks and admission prices had soared over the past 20 years.

"A comic working 12 to 14 shows a week grosses barely over $20,000 (£10,420) from the New York clubs," he said.

'Out of town'

Three hundred comics cannot be ignored


Russ Meneve

Alexandro, who has helped form the coalition, said he topped up his money by touring and working on corporate events.

He said that while many clubs may charge $100 for admission on New Year's Eve, comedians could only expect to be paid $100 (£52), or $250 (£130) as master of ceremonies.

"I'm going to be out of town, because that's where we earn our money," he added.

Club owners have agreed to open talks with the coalition in January. The comedians have said they will do whatever is necessary, including strike action.

"The comedians formed a coalition so that our concerns would be addressed collectively," said co-founder Russ Meneve.

"Three hundred comics cannot be ignored."

'A lot of money'

But former comic Chris Mazzilli, who owns the Gotham Comedy Club, said he had to pay for six or seven performers plus an MC on a weeknight when it could not be sure of filling his club.

"Clubs cost a lot of money to run," he said. "New York City is different - your rent factor is much higher and your insurance is much higher." Mr Mazzilli said he had already agreed to raise his rates by $10 (£5.20) as a result of a letter sent by the coalition.

[Mysterious]

Okay that's a bit weird. . .but oh well.

[Mythor]

as low as $15 (£7.80) for 20-minute weekday sets are beyond a joke

$45/hr? Go get a real job and see if you get paid that much!

I can just imagine comics trying that in Australia. "You want to go on strike? Okay! Wheel in the pokies! Mmmm, money."

[wheehah]

I assume that amount is in American dollars, making it about $65 AUS/hr I think.

[Mythor]

About $58/hr. Go Aussie dollar!