How to Join
Are you a gaffer or a gamer? Carpenter or costumer? VFX or SFX? Stagehand or Stage door? Whether you’re working for a small shop or a national vendor, an independent producer or a major studio, an AV shop or at a trade show, a local TV station or a national television network, an animation house or a gaming studio, a local community theatre or a regional theatre, we are the union for you!
Joining a union is the best way to improve the working conditions of you and your coworkers. Whether you want to join an IATSE local or need help forming a union at your workplace, contact us today.
Why Join a Union?
Forming a union at your workplace means you have the opportunity to negotiate improvements to your working conditions together with your coworkers. Improvements often include:
Increased wages
Overtime protections
Improved safety
Better communication with your employer
Representation when you need it
Health and dental plans
Retirement plans
Training
Increased vacation and sick days
Recall rights
Enhanced layoff notice and more!
To find out how to improve your working conditions contact us
Steps to Forming a Union?
Forming a union is a democratic process driven by workers with the support of IATSE organizing staff. In most cases unions, the rules to form a union are set at the provincial level in Canada and each province has its own rules. Contact one our experienced organizers who will help you navigate the rules in your province.
1. Contact an Organizer
All communications are confidential and we will help you strategize and navigate the process in your province.
2. Talk to your coworkers
Talk to your coworkers about the issues they are facing at the workplace. Most people are experiencing the same issues and concerns
3. Build support
Explain how working together is the best way to improve working conditions and how forming a union is how that is done.
4. Democratically form your union
Forming a union is always a democratic process. That process varies in each province.
Wins!
Entertainment workers have been improving their working conditions and forming unions across Canada. Below are just a few of our wins. Contact us to add your company to the list!
Calgary Stampede
Canadian AV
Canadian Stage
Canada’s Wonderland
Cineplex
DNEG Magnus Theater
Flyover Canada
Fever
Highland Arts Theater
ICON Animation
Michael J Fox Theater Society
Rogers Hot Docs
Royal Winnipeg Ballet Wardrobe Shop
Scotiabank Dance Theater
Silentnight Deadly Night
Stratford Wardrobe
Sunbelt Rentals
Theater Duceppe
Titmouse Animation
Titmouse Animation Production Workers
Universal Show Services
Vertigo Theater
VSO School of Music
Wildbrain Animation
Young People’s Theatre Wardrobe
