This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/11/theater/broadway-cares-disney-fund-raiser-blocked-coronavirus.html
The article has changed 27 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 11 | Version 12 |
|---|---|
| Labor Dispute Sinks Broadway Benefit for Pandemic Assistance | Labor Dispute Sinks Broadway Benefit for Pandemic Assistance |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| An effort to raise money for entertainment workers hurt by the coronavirus pandemic has collapsed because of a dispute between a major charity and a labor union representing musicians. | An effort to raise money for entertainment workers hurt by the coronavirus pandemic has collapsed because of a dispute between a major charity and a labor union representing musicians. |
| The charity, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, had planned an online fund-raiser on Monday at which it would stream a concert, recorded in November, that celebrated the 25th anniversary of Disney on Broadway. The concert, backed by 15 musicians, was also a fund-raiser, which brought in $570,426 for Broadway Cares. | The charity, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, had planned an online fund-raiser on Monday at which it would stream a concert, recorded in November, that celebrated the 25th anniversary of Disney on Broadway. The concert, backed by 15 musicians, was also a fund-raiser, which brought in $570,426 for Broadway Cares. |
| Two major labor unions, Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, agreed to allow the streaming of the concert without fees, but the American Federation of Musicians, which has been focused on winning greater compensation for streamed content, did not. | Two major labor unions, Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, agreed to allow the streaming of the concert without fees, but the American Federation of Musicians, which has been focused on winning greater compensation for streamed content, did not. |
| “Members of the American Federation of Musicians are suffering from the sudden cancellation of all work as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak,” the union’s international president, Ray Hair, said by email. “During the height of this crisis, Disney Theatrical has come to us asking to stream media content without payment to the musicians involved in the production. Especially now, with zero employment in the entertainment sector, the content producers should care enough about the welfare of those who originally performed the show to see to it that they are fairly compensated when their work is recorded and streamed throughout the world.” | “Members of the American Federation of Musicians are suffering from the sudden cancellation of all work as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak,” the union’s international president, Ray Hair, said by email. “During the height of this crisis, Disney Theatrical has come to us asking to stream media content without payment to the musicians involved in the production. Especially now, with zero employment in the entertainment sector, the content producers should care enough about the welfare of those who originally performed the show to see to it that they are fairly compensated when their work is recorded and streamed throughout the world.” |
| Broadway Cares, which has been raising money for a Covid-19 emergency assistance fund, was clearly frustrated. | Broadway Cares, which has been raising money for a Covid-19 emergency assistance fund, was clearly frustrated. |
| “I understand being told no,” Tom Viola, the organization’s executive director, said in a statement. “When that happens — and it does — I can usually see why or understand the extenuating circumstances. It never feels simply meanspirited. This was different and the result, particularly now, is heartbreaking.” | “I understand being told no,” Tom Viola, the organization’s executive director, said in a statement. “When that happens — and it does — I can usually see why or understand the extenuating circumstances. It never feels simply meanspirited. This was different and the result, particularly now, is heartbreaking.” |
| Disney, which has raised nearly $20 million for Broadway Cares over the last quarter-century, was similarly unhappy. “Disney wholeheartedly supported the request from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS to AFM to waive fees for this fund-raiser, just as many unions and guilds had happily agreed to do,” Disney Theatrical Productions said in a statement. “It’s disappointing that in this case, due to AFM’s decision, much-needed funds will not be raised. We are fiercely proud to be advocates for Broadway Cares and will continue to be, especially at a time like this.” | Disney, which has raised nearly $20 million for Broadway Cares over the last quarter-century, was similarly unhappy. “Disney wholeheartedly supported the request from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS to AFM to waive fees for this fund-raiser, just as many unions and guilds had happily agreed to do,” Disney Theatrical Productions said in a statement. “It’s disappointing that in this case, due to AFM’s decision, much-needed funds will not be raised. We are fiercely proud to be advocates for Broadway Cares and will continue to be, especially at a time like this.” |
| Early Sunday, after this story was published, the 15 musicians who performed at the concert, joined by the president of their union local, released a statement saying that Mr. Hair had not consulted them, and that they wanted him to allow the streaming of the concert. | Early Sunday, after this story was published, the 15 musicians who performed at the concert, joined by the president of their union local, released a statement saying that Mr. Hair had not consulted them, and that they wanted him to allow the streaming of the concert. |
| “We as an orchestra are happy to forgo any payment for the streaming of this charitable event,” they said. “Now more than ever it is essential to join with the other members of the arts community to help those in need.” | “We as an orchestra are happy to forgo any payment for the streaming of this charitable event,” they said. “Now more than ever it is essential to join with the other members of the arts community to help those in need.” |
| Adam Krauthamer, the president of the union’s Local 802, which represents musicians in the New York region, released his own statement that said, “I am disappointed by AFM President Ray Hair’s statements and his misguided decision.” He added, “During this unprecedented time we all must band together and this was a missed opportunity by Ray Hair, one that he alone can fix.” | Adam Krauthamer, the president of the union’s Local 802, which represents musicians in the New York region, released his own statement that said, “I am disappointed by AFM President Ray Hair’s statements and his misguided decision.” He added, “During this unprecedented time we all must band together and this was a missed opportunity by Ray Hair, one that he alone can fix.” |
| Efforts to slow the spread of the virus have idled millions of people, and those working in the arts have been hard hit, as live performances have ceased, museums have closed, and work on film and television shows has been halted. | Efforts to slow the spread of the virus have idled millions of people, and those working in the arts have been hard hit, as live performances have ceased, museums have closed, and work on film and television shows has been halted. |
| Many nonprofit and commercial arts institutions, including Disney Theatrical Productions, have furloughed employees in the face of evaporated revenue. | Many nonprofit and commercial arts institutions, including Disney Theatrical Productions, have furloughed employees in the face of evaporated revenue. |
| At the same time, many entertainers, isolated in their homes, have been participating without payment in online efforts to raise money for charities seeking to help those whose health or finances have been harmed by the pandemic. | At the same time, many entertainers, isolated in their homes, have been participating without payment in online efforts to raise money for charities seeking to help those whose health or finances have been harmed by the pandemic. |
| Updated June 24, 2020 | |
| Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. | |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| The failed negotiations between Broadway Cares and the musicians’ union unfolded within the last few days, and the tone from the union was harsh. | The failed negotiations between Broadway Cares and the musicians’ union unfolded within the last few days, and the tone from the union was harsh. |
| “When you treat musicians as if they were slaves, you reap the consequences,” Hair said to a Disney executive in an email. At another point, he wrote: “We are in a zero employment situation. I am waiving nothing. That’s final. You should want to pay the musicians, who have no income during this crisis.” | “When you treat musicians as if they were slaves, you reap the consequences,” Hair said to a Disney executive in an email. At another point, he wrote: “We are in a zero employment situation. I am waiving nothing. That’s final. You should want to pay the musicians, who have no income during this crisis.” |
| Disney spent around $200,000 to produce the concert in the fall, and paid the musicians who performed. The company said the upcoming streaming fund-raiser was not a Disney event, but a Broadway Cares event, and that it was the charity seeking a waiver. | Disney spent around $200,000 to produce the concert in the fall, and paid the musicians who performed. The company said the upcoming streaming fund-raiser was not a Disney event, but a Broadway Cares event, and that it was the charity seeking a waiver. |
| “They are trying to raise money to help your members and the entire community during this crisis,” Scott Kardel, the Disney Theatrical labor relations director, wrote to Hair. “Your decision means the fund-raising event will be canceled. It’s your decision but it seems a harsh and punitive one to your members and the larger community.” | “They are trying to raise money to help your members and the entire community during this crisis,” Scott Kardel, the Disney Theatrical labor relations director, wrote to Hair. “Your decision means the fund-raising event will be canceled. It’s your decision but it seems a harsh and punitive one to your members and the larger community.” |
| Broadway Cares argued that it could not afford to pay the musicians for an already recorded concert without also paying the other unions. It noted that it had already given $50,000 this year to musicians’ assistance programs, and offered to give another $25,000 to a musicians’ emergency fund, which Viola said would be more than the value of the payment Hair was seeking. But Hair refused that offer, writing, “I do not support and will not agree to your demand for gratis services during the current crisis.” | Broadway Cares argued that it could not afford to pay the musicians for an already recorded concert without also paying the other unions. It noted that it had already given $50,000 this year to musicians’ assistance programs, and offered to give another $25,000 to a musicians’ emergency fund, which Viola said would be more than the value of the payment Hair was seeking. But Hair refused that offer, writing, “I do not support and will not agree to your demand for gratis services during the current crisis.” |
| Broadway Cares then decided it had no choice but to cancel the fund-raiser, which would have been hosted by Ryan McCartan, with live interviews woven into the streamed concert. | Broadway Cares then decided it had no choice but to cancel the fund-raiser, which would have been hosted by Ryan McCartan, with live interviews woven into the streamed concert. |
| The original concert, performed at the New Amsterdam Theater on Nov. 4, featured songs from Disney shows including “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King” and “Newsies,” as well as some lesser-known titles. (Anyone remember “King David”?) It was introduced by Whoopi Goldberg and performed by a variety of Broadway stars, including Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Ashley Park and Sherie Rene Scott. | The original concert, performed at the New Amsterdam Theater on Nov. 4, featured songs from Disney shows including “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King” and “Newsies,” as well as some lesser-known titles. (Anyone remember “King David”?) It was introduced by Whoopi Goldberg and performed by a variety of Broadway stars, including Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Ashley Park and Sherie Rene Scott. |