Broadway strikers return to talks

The strike has closed 27 plays and musicals on Broadway

Striking theatre stagehands in New York are resuming talks with producers as they try to resolve the dispute that has shut down Broadway shows.

The stagehands, who include scenery handlers, electricians and lighting and sound technicians, walked out on 10 November in a row over new contracts.

Some 27 plays and musicals have closed since the strike began.

Broadway's businesses are hoping the strike ends before the lucrative Thanksgiving holiday.

Thanksgiving, which this year falls on 22 November, is second only to the week between Christmas and New Year as Broadway's most profitable time.

The Local One union and the League of American Theatres and Producers have not commented on Saturday's resumption of talks, the first since 8 November.

The dispute centres on how many stagehands are needed to open a Broadway show and keep it running.

Meanwhile, more than 25 Broadway restaurants, which usually get most of their business from theatre crowds are offering discounts to diners in an attempt to boost their trade.

"While we hope that an agreement will be reached as soon as possible, I encourage New Yorkers and visitors to take advantage of this great deal and help support restaurants that have been affected by the strike," New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.