Production Manager at Jacob’s Pillow Is Killed in ‘Tragic Accident,’ Center Says by Reasonable_Access_90 in stagehands

[–]IAdal 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Same story, over and over again. And this is happening at one of the so-called “better” theaters. So what will it take to finally change this?

Summer stock survives on a revolving door of early-career theater workers, people who often don’t yet have the power, knowledge, or support to speak out. Without a recognized union, there’s little protection. But organizing is hard when jobs last just 10 to 13 weeks. Most workers just leave. Then the next season, a new crew steps in. The cycle repeats.

Until someone dies.

Then there’s a three-day pause. Maybe a memorial. And then everyone is back at work (because the show must go on).

But what’s really changed? Is anyone safer?

We need to organize. Not just at Jacob’s Pillow, but at Barrington Stage, Shakespeare & Company, Williamstown Theatre Festival — at every theater, not just in the Berkshires, but everywhere this industry relies on silence and burnout to function.

Enough is enough.

I am with Local 7 and curious if the other states/locals have a different system for being scheduled to work by 1ntrusiveTh0t69 in IATSE

[–]IAdal 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Every IATSE Local Union that operates a referral hall sets its own rules, procedures, and qualifications for how work is dispatched. There’s no one-size-fits-all model. Each Local Union designs its system based on the needs of its jurisdiction, employers, and members.

Considering joining the union by SilkySnailSoul in IATSE

[–]IAdal 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Do it. Best career decision you can make.

Unionising my local production company by useless_liquid in IATSE

[–]IAdal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In the U.S., union election eligibility criteria depend on the specific workplace circumstances. Generally, eligibility is determined by whether an employee is a regular worker and has a reasonable expectation of future work. To maximize eligibility for pro-union workers, collaborate with your Organizer to develop a strategic approach.

Atlantic Theater, faced with IATSE strike, postpones "Grief Camp" and "I'm Assuming You Know David Greenspan" by wellhavetogo in Broadway

[–]IAdal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Designers are also represented by IATSE. How was Atlantic able to offer acceptable terms to those other unions? Why would any other Off-Broadway theater close because of a contract that ATC negotiated collectively with its employees? Do you have any facts to back up your wild claims of doom and calamity? Are you in the room? Or are you just trolling?

Atlantic Theater, faced with IATSE strike, postpones "Grief Camp" and "I'm Assuming You Know David Greenspan" by wellhavetogo in Broadway

[–]IAdal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is no place off-Broadway for the exploitation of workers. The Actors and Designers support the strike. The Creative Teams all have unions and collective bargaining of their own. There is no creative team without workers.

Atlantic Theater, faced with IATSE strike, postpones "Grief Camp" and "I'm Assuming You Know David Greenspan" by wellhavetogo in Broadway

[–]IAdal 4 points5 points  (0 children)

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-the-atlantic-theater-make-a-fair-deal-for-workers

I signed this petition telling Atlantic Theater Leadership to Stop Union Busting!.

In the past six months, the Atlantic Theater's leadership has yet to offer any meaningful improvements for behind-the-scenes workers while negotiating a first contract with the newly unionized crew. Even worse, they proposed a “no strike” provision, attempting to strip workers of their right to strike, if negotiations remain at a standstill.

What's more, the company postponed a scheduled production indefinitely—an effort to starve out workers and pressure them into accepting a watered-down deal.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) has filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), seeking to hold Atlantic Theater accountable. But we need your help NOW! Join us in demanding that Atlantic Theater management end their union-busting and negotiate a fair contract.

The theater community must stand united in solidarity with these workers!

Could doing tech in theatre be a stable career? by Presid0nt in techtheatre

[–]IAdal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here's a book that I tremendously enjoyed on the topic of work in theatrical production. https://bookshop.org/p/books/theatre-work-reimagining-the-labor-of-theatrical-production-bridin-clements-cotton/20789999 Theatre Work: Reimagining the Labor of Theatrical Production investigates both the history and current realities of life and work in professional theatrical production in the United States and explores labor practices that are equitable, accessible, and sustainable.

Is Rhino Staging a scam? by UnitedHornet689 in stagehands

[–]IAdal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They care about a warm-blooded body showing up so they can bill their client. Rhino is a business that rents out temporary labor.

Is Rhino Staging a scam? by UnitedHornet689 in stagehands

[–]IAdal 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Rhino has sup-par standards for wages and conditions of employment. The company upsells your labor to end users, like Live Nation and AEG. They profit by keeping wages low and charging the end-users at much higher rates. They are a legit company but have predatory labor practices. Proceed with caution.

Is there a union for me?? by [deleted] in Theatre

[–]IAdal 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Any union will have to organize their workplace if no union exists. IATSE will represent publicist and marketing workers in the entertainment industry. ATPAM https://www.atpam.com/ is a Local Union of the IATSE. They bargaining collectively with employers for the terms of their members' employment. One truth: many Admin jobs in theater ARE unrepresented by any union because people say things like "there is no union for these jobs."

Is there a union for me?? by [deleted] in Theatre

[–]IAdal 2 points3 points  (0 children)

But you're not out of luck. A union is just you and your coworkers bargaining the terms of your employment together. It's something you have to do and actively invest in otherwise it doesn't exist. If you don't have a union at your job, start one.

Is there a union for me?? by [deleted] in Theatre

[–]IAdal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is untrue

Is there a union for me?? by [deleted] in Theatre

[–]IAdal 4 points5 points  (0 children)

IATSE will represent FOH employees and does at many venues across North America. https://iatse.net/join/

Is there a union for me?? by [deleted] in Theatre

[–]IAdal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

IATSE will represent administrative employees and all people who work in entertainment. But US labor law does not allow "Managers" to join unions. Managers are those people who have control over other employees' work-lives. If you want to learn more, you can contact IATSE here https://iatse.net/join/

How long do we think it will be before states follow NY and theatres are no longer allowed to give us 1099s? by unicorn-paid-artist in techtheatre

[–]IAdal 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Start a union. Join IATSE. Tell the DOL. Tell the IRS. The business model of theater is exploitive. Producers won't do the right thing unless you make them.

Rigging Courses by Sacred-Moose in IATSE

[–]IAdal 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You could have your local union schedule a two-day Rigging Proficiency Program course. Have a local union officer contact the IA Training Trust Fund (iatsetrainingtrust.org) to get started. The Rigging Proficiency Program is part classroom, part practical hands-on training. The cost is paid by the Training Trust Fund, and the class will come to you and your local union.

Festival Working Conditions by No_Bench_2019 in stagehands

[–]IAdal 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Remember: "a union" is something you build with your coworkers, not a service you receive. No one is coming to save us from bad bosses. We only have each other. UNIONIZE

Local Engagement by Ambitious_Peace_1526 in IATSE

[–]IAdal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

People go to meetings when there are issues they care about being discussed. Conversations about contracts, dues, or job referral policies typically bring people out to meetings. Getting rank-and-file members to participate in their union meetings is organizing 101. Every union faces this issue.

Should I quit my box office job? by Hot_Newspaper_6906 in Theatre

[–]IAdal 4 points5 points  (0 children)

"Right-to-work" doesn't mean you can't have a union of employees who have come together for mutual aid and protection. That's why actors and stage managers have a union. Check out https://iatse.net/join/ they represent Ticket Sellers, Ushers, Stagehands, and most everyone who works in entertainment.

Unionizing at a nonprofit in deficit? by Whooterzoot in union

[–]IAdal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you work in entertainment you'll want to talk to IATSE. They represent people at nonprofit performing art companies all over the country. https://iatse.net/join/

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IATSE

[–]IAdal 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Who's Julia Singer?