Most of Broadway goes dark as Union takes strikes action.

Click here to find out which Broadway shows are playing, and which ones are not.

The ongoing dispute between the 'League of American Theatres and Producers' and Broadway's unionised stage hands, (members of Local one - part of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees), has finally ended in strike action, meaning all but eight of Broadway's theatre's are now dark.

It was being rumoured late on the 9 Nov 2007 that the union may take strike action. The Associated Press reported early on the 10 Nov 2007 that the union, after a meeting it had scheduled for 9am, would announced that as from 10am on the 10 Nov 2007 the union would withdraw its labour indefinitely.

The two sides are in dispute about stage hands working practices, that the League claims are "archaic" and "jeopardize the industry�s health." Union members have been working without contracts since July, not being willing to accept the new terms that the League seeks to impose.

In a statement issued on their website the League says "Local One has darkened most of Broadway. They have chosen to strike--without notifying us, rather than to continue negotiating. It is a sad day for Broadway, but we must remain committed to achieving a fair contract. Our goal is simple: To pay for workers we need and for work that is actually performed. Stagehands are highly skilled and highly paid. They are--and will remain--the highest paid stagehands in the theatrical world. We deplore the strike and the harm it does to the City, the industry, and the theatregoing public. Indeed, to all the actors, musicians and other talented people who make Broadway magical and the top tourist attraction in New York. A strike will have an economic impact of $17 million per day in direct and indirect costs. This could have been avoided had the union's leadership chosen to act responsibly at the bargaining table. We extend our sympathy for the inconvenience caused to the theatregoing public."

There has been no official statement from the union, but a leaflet being distributed by picketers on Broadway reads "Broadway is a billion dollar a year industry and has never been more profitable than now. Cuts in our jobs and wages will never result in a cut in ticket prices to benefit the public, but only an increase in the profits for producers. Unlike the producers, we are not fighting for our second or third homes: we are fighting to keep the one that we have."

Local one has the support of Actor's Equity, a statement released at 11 am today, reads "Actors' Equity Association strongly supports Local One/IATSE in their efforts to reach a fair and equitable contract. The responsibility for the shutdown of Broadway rests squarely with the League of American Theaters and Producers. The Equity Council, per the Union's Broadway contract language, endorses and supports the strike, which has been sanctioned by Local One's IATSE International President, and directs its members to honor the picket line. The men and women of Local One/IATSE deserve fair wages and working conditions and, most importantly, the respect of everyone who is part of the theatrical community.

As per Equity's contract, we are instructing our members to report to their theaters and sign in for work. Equity staff will be at each affected theater to offer the latest information and help to our members. We are also encouraging our members to join the informational line at each theater to show solidarity with our Local One brothers and sisters."

It is not known how long the strike action will last, however it may well be for weeks, not days. The Theatre League has amassed over $20 million dollar fund in event of a shut down. Local One in the meantime has accumulated its own fund worth $4.1 million.

Those who have brought tickets for shows affected by industrial action will be entitled to a refund, please contact the vendor from which you purchased your tickets for details.