Bloomberg offers help in B'way talks

NEW YORK, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg offered to mediate talks in the Broadway stagehand strike that started Saturday.

The producers accepted Bloomberg's offer, however, James Claffey, president of Local One, told the New York Daily News, "He could not be more of a gentleman but we have respectfully declined his help."

Bloomberg said the city offered "neutral ground" for the negotiations, as well as a mediator.

"Everybody's got an interest here in finding some ways to get together," Bloomberg said. "And the city will do everything it can to help."

Bloomberg helped settle a 2003 walkout by musicians lasted four days.

The strike is estimated to cost the city about $5 million a day in lost revenues.