Stage and technical crew and other members of the Theatrical Stage Employees Union, I.A.T.S.E. Local 2, Chicago, went from backstage to the picket lines outside Chicago's newest theatre building, The Goodman Theatre, in a strike action Sunday, March 4th, 2001<P>Read the union's position <A HREF="http://backstagejobs.com/iastrike.htm" TARGET=_blank>here</A>.<P><BR>Read the theatre's position <A HREF="http://www.goodman-theatre.org/Aboutus/StrikeLetter.html" TARGET=_blank>here</A>.<BR> <P>------------------<BR>Jeffrey E. Salzberg, Lighting Designer<P>Online portfolio: <A HREF="http://www.suncoast.quik.com/salzberg" TARGET=_blank>http://www.suncoast.quik.com/salzberg</A> <BR>This Day in Arts History: <A HREF="http://www.suncoast.quik.com/salzberg/arthist.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.suncoast.quik.com/salzberg/arthist.htm</A><P><BR><p>[This message has been edited by salzberg (edited March 20, 2001).]

I've spoken to several people about this strike. It is always difficult, when not in the middle of a negotiation, yet on the outside, to take sides and really understand who is expecting too much/too little. My backstage friends who are either non-union or protected by other unions have had their reservations about the tactics used by the IATSE members on strike, but have remained loyal enough (and agree enough with the cause) to not cross the picket line in order to aid the Goodman. Two weeks ago, however, several picketers surrounded the garbage man at the theater and bullied him, spouting racial slurs until he retreated, refusing to take the Goodman's refuse. My stagehand friends (myself as well) were appalled by this behavior and I find it sad that people feel the need to use these tactics in order to get their way. I hope that this issue can be resolved between the IATSE and the Goodman peaceably, but I have a grave hunch that it will get uglier before it gets better.<P>tura

I was just browsing the archives and saw this. Having a husband who works thru IATSE, I'm intrigued. Whatever happened?

LMCtech, it was all done hush-hush. Here was the press release from the theatre:<P> <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>CONTACT: Cindy Bandle (312) 443-5151<P>GOODMAN THEATRE AND THE INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE OF THEATRICAL STAGE EMPLOYEES UNION LOCAL #2 REACH AGREEMENT <P>The Goodman Theatre and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local #2 have reached agreement on a contract for the Goodman Theatre's scene shop and stage crew staff. The settlement brings an end to the strike that began on March 4th. By mutual agreement, the terms of the settlement will not be disclosed to the press.<P># # #<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P><BR>No one it seems is willing to talk publicly...