N.Y. stagehands threaten strike

Broadway stagehands have voted to authorize a strike, setting up what may be the New York theater district’s first labor disruption since March 2003.

The League of American Theatres and Producers, and Local 1 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees have been negotiating a contract for about two months. Members of the union have worked without a contract for about three months, said Bruce Cohen, a union spokesman. Wages and health benefits are the main issues being discussed, he said.

Sunday’s vote gives the union’s leadership the right to call a strike at any time. Stagehands move scenery and run sound and light boards. The union includes carpenters and electricians. A strike would affect some 20 productions.