Stagehands Union and Producers OK New 3-Year Contract

Crisis averted (for some) in Hollywood: "A union that represents more than 35,000 film and television workers has approved a three-year contract with Hollywood producers," according to cbs2.com. The new contract goes into effect on the 1st of August, and was unanimously endorsed by all 15 Hollywood local groups of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Reflected in the new contract are "some modest pay hikes but also cuts in health and pension benefits." Although some members of the longstanding union felt their leaders were negotiating outside their best interests, the majority were eager to get the contract settled, particularly in light of "the industry's recent struggles."