AUSTIN, TEXAS — On Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2006, IATSE Local 205, Austin, Texas, with the assistance of the International, agreed to all issues of a collective bargaining agreement with Ballet Austin. The contract covers all the crafts traditionally represented by the IA. On Nov. 30, the contract was approved by both the body of the union and the Board of Directors of the company.

The term of the agreement is from Dec. 1, 2006 through Jul. 31, 2009, and provides health and welfare benefits, daily and weekly overtime, and pay increases for both the resident season and the touring “run-outs” that the company does every year. In addition, workers in the hair, make up, and wardrobe departments achieve wage and benefit parity with the other stagecrafts in the 2007-08 season. Also, in the past, the company has used Independent Contractors for the loading, unloading, and transportation of scenery, props, and costumes at the Ballet’s warehouse and performance venues. Those workers will now be covered by the CBA.