WHY UNION?
Labor Unions provide strong representation, better wages, training opportunities, benefits, improved working conditions, and the ability to collectively bargain. A collective Union voice is a louder voice!!!
Money
Union jobs typically have higher wages than Non-Union jobs. IATSE does have several contracts that have lower wages than the Basic Agreement, but these shows would have even lower wages if they were nonunion, and there would be no benefits. If you ask any nonunion employer why they don’t sign a union contract, they’ll tell you they don’t want to pay better wages and provide benefits.
Benefits
Health insurance, pensions, annuity, holidays, overtime premiums. These are only some of the benefits enjoyed by IATSE union members. As a member, you have access to the Legal & Education Fund, Employee Assistance Program, The Actors Fund and many other resources.
safety
A union contract gives employees the immediate right to address unsafe conditions. If you ever encounter an unsafe working condition on production, call this Local’s office immediately or call the IATSE 24- hour IATSE Safety Hotline at (844) 422-9273. No job is worth risking serious injury or even losing your life.
Dignity
Union workers are treated better than nonunion workers. Employers have a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with working conditions they must follow. This helps to even the playing field between the employer and union members. The employer knows if they violate the CBA, the union has the right to file a grievance to protect the rights of their members working under the CBA.
