Food Expo exhibitors will notice a significant reduction in their set-up and breakdown costs thanks to a recent collective bargaining agreement between Chicago's exposition authority and the carpenters union. Under the new agreement, carpenters will work from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at straight wages, not the previously billed time-and-a-half overtime rates. In addition, the window of time for time-and-a-half rates on Saturday has expanded from eight to 12 hours, eliminating four hours of double overtime rates. The carpenters are the fourth major union representing McCormick Place workers to negotiate more flexible work rules over the past two years. The other unions represent riggers, decorators and electricians. Worldwide Food Expo will be held October 28-31, 2009, at McCormick Place in Chicago. For more information or to sign up for exhibit space, visit www.worldwidefoodexpo.com.