IATSE Local 500 won the right to represent approximately 50 backstage employees at the Coconut Grove Playhouse, located in Miami, Florida. The election, which was conducted by mail ballot by the National Labor Relations Board in Miami, was won by the IATSE by an almost two-to-one margin. The votes were counted on July 17. The backstage employees included in the bargaining unit include shop employees, stagehands, scenic painters, wardrobe employees & costumers, property persons, electricians and audio engineers. The Coconut Grove Playhouse, a LORT B theatre, has been operated non-union for over 25 years. There had been two previous unsuccessful attempts to organize the facility by the former IATSE Locals in Miami. The organizing effort was led by Representatives Joanne Sanders, Daniel Bonfiglio and Louis Falzarano, as well as an effective organizing committee of Playhouse employees. Scenic Artists Local 829, Business Representative David Goodman and Local 477, Secretary Treasurer George Cerchiai also assisted in the successful campaign.