Despite Strike Continuing Through Thanksgiving, Mayor Downplays Economic Repercussions

This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

The New York Sun

Broadway was only four days into a strike in 2003 when Mayor Bloomberg warned of the looming “severe economic impact” that could result from the dispute.

This time, theaters have been dark for more than a week and the mayor is not only refraining from wagging his finger in public, he’s downplaying the potential damage the stagehands’ strike could cause the city.

“I think what it hurts more is our reputation, and it’s the psychic things rather than dollars,” Mr. Bloomberg said. “Our hotels will still be full, our restaurants will still be full, mass transit will still be going along.”

Estimates of the economic damage on the city vary wildly, ranging from $2 million to $17 million a day.

“Is it a cataclysmic thing for this city? No. Is it bad for this city? Yes,” he said.

Talks broke off Sunday between Local 1 and the League of American Theatres and Producers, and performances for more than two dozen Broadway shows were canceled through November 25, the lucrative Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

The shows idled by the strike include some of Broadway’s biggest hits, including “Wicked,” “Jersey Boys,” and “Mamma Mia!”


The New York Sun

© 2025 The New York Sun Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material on this site is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used.

The New York Sun

Sign in or  Create a free account

or
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use