Joffrey Ballet Reaches Agreement To Avoid Lockout

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A tentative deal has been reached to keep dancers on their toes with the Joffrey Ballet.

As WBBM Newsradio 780's Michele Fiore reports, the American Guild of Music Artists represents the dancers, and has disclosed terms of a five-year deal.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Michele Fiore reports

The Chicago Tribune reports the deal includes an 11 percent raise stretch out over all five years, and no change to family health insurance costs.

The dispute had threatened to interfere with the start of the Joffrey's performance season. A lockout against the 44 dancers had been looming.

"Regrettably, we are asking the dancers to collect their belongings and turn in their keys because, as of the expiration of that agreement they are no longer working for the Joffrey," company executive director Christopher Clinton Conway said earlier this month. "And for safety and security and for our safety and security, it is a necessary precaution that we exercise that lockout."

Joffrey performers could vote on the contract as early as next week.

In:
• Michele Fiore