Organize
I.A.T.S.E.
For Your Family and You.
WANTED …….. Experienced Stage Technicians to work in All Theaters, Arena, Shops, Hotels, and Convention Centers. Local 8 is soliciting resumes from technicians in the area to join your Union. The Entertainment Industry is booming in our area. Job opportunities have resulted in the Local changing the method by which we have traditionally organized people. If you are working in the Entertainment Industry, we are interested in taking you into membership and placing you on the work list.
If you are one of the many people working non-union in the areas that support the Entertainment Industry or in the Philadelphia, Camden & Mercer County areas or have become frustrated in your job because of:
- Low pay
- Promised or implied raises which never seem to materialize
- Irregular or “scattered” hours for which the total compensation fails to meet your family’s basic needs
- Lack of basic benefits such as health care, vacation, retirement account and a pension plan
- Unsafe or unhealthy workplace conditions and your understandable reluctance to call these matters to the attention of your employer for fear of losing your job.
IATSE Local 31 may be the solution for you! IATSE Local 8 is a Union of highly specialized individuals who work behind the scenes in the multimedia collectively known as “Show Business.” the letters stand for International Alliance Of Theatrical Stage Employees, moving picture technicians, artist and allied crafts of the United States and Canada, AFL-CIO… most members simply refer to the organization simply as “The I.A…”. Formed in 1893, the IATSE encompasses more than 120,000 members from locals located throughout the United States and Canada.
Can I join the Union if I work in a non-union theater?
Yes, it is the intent of the Local to strengthen our crew calls by placing the non-union theater technicians on our jobs as Union members.
If I join, will the Union replace me on my current job?
No. The Local is in need of workers, not your jobs. The rates at the Union facilities range from $20.00 to $75.00 per hour depending on the venue, position, and other factors. We receive overtime after 8 hours a day, midnight, and on Sunday.
Why should I join if I already have a job?
The Local has contracts with most of the major venues. You will increase your work opportunities and secure your future.
Will I get Union calls?
Yes. The Entertainment Industry continues to grow in this area and throughout the country. The increase in jobs translates to the need for more skilled technicians.
What are the benefits of membership?
Members get to attend the Local’s monthly meetings, they can vote on contracts and Officers. They can run for Office. Members receive the monthly Newsletter, updating them on the Local’s work opportunities. Members are offered free educational seminars throughout the year. All members are given a life insurance policy.
Do I receive benefits?
Active Members and contract works qualify for full health care, medical reimbursement, prescription, eyeglasses, death and disability once the minimum threshold of hours has been achieved each year. The extent of individual members’ coverage is based on the amount of work performed on Union jobs. Employers also contribute up to 15% over and above the members’ wages for an Annuity and up to 8% for a Pension.
If you know of anyone looking to be represented at the workplace by IATSE Local 31 please ask them to visit our office.
Regional Stagehands Bill of Rights
The regional stagehands in and around the Philadelphia Metropolitan area are a highly skilled professional workforce. The dedication of these workers to the art of entertainment is unquestionable. The regional stagehands dedicate long hours and a passion for their work to ensure the audience’s experience is enjoyable. To best serve the entertainment community, regional stagehands have established a “Regional Stagehands Bill of Rights.” This document identifies the minimum working conditions that all regional stagehands are asked to support and maintain.
1. A living wage standard to allow workers to live and work in the Philadelphia area as stagehands.
2. Minimum overtime conditions to address work-life/balance issues, such as long hours and working on Holidays.
3. Medical coverage.
4. A safe workplace.
5. Training.
When, in the course of events, it becomes necessary for a group of workers who share common issues to come together to protect their collective interests, those issues are best resolved when those workers speak with one voice, conveying a clear message.
If you know of anyone looking to be represented at the workplace by IATSE Local 31 please ask them to visit our office.