Theatrical Managers Make New Proposals to Yiddish Unions

Yiddish theatrical managers who closed their houses a week ago, claiming that their expenses were too great and demanding that their employes accept a 25 per cent reduction of salaries before they reopen the theatres, again conferred on Monday with the representatives of the unions. At this conference the managers stated that they will not insist on a flat 25 per cent reduction in the wages of all the Yiddish theatrical employes.

Instead of the wage reduction which the unions had proposed at a former conference, the managers on Monday proposed still further reductions. The managers insisted that the salaries of Yiddish actors who earn up to $90 per week be reduced 15 instead of 10 per cent, as the actors’ representatives had proposed; that the salaries of actors who earn from $90 to $145 a week be reduced to 20 instead of 15 per cent; and that the salaries of all the actors who earn more than $145 a week be reduced 25 instead of 20 per cent.

Dressers, doormen and ushers who earn between $30 and $40 a week have consented at a previous conference to a 15 per cent reduction of their salaries.

On Monday, however, the managers insisted that this reduction be 20 per cent. Members of the chorus union have been willing to accept a 10 per cent reduction in their wages but the managers insisted that their reduction be 15 per cent.

In case the unions refuse to accept the conditions, the Yiddish theatrical managers propose that the matter be referred to arbitration. The unions have rejected the new demands of the managers, declaring that they have conceded as much as possible and that they cannot consent to any further reductions. The unions will, however, meet again during the week to consider the proposition of arbitration.