MONTREAL, QC – In November 2024, a large number of the technicians working on Compagnie Jean Duceppe productions, both at Place des Arts and on tour, asked IATSE Local 56 to represent them and assist them in collective bargaining and in the protection of their rights. On November 25, IATSE Local 56 filed for certification with the TAT (Tribunal administratif du travail).

Companie Jean Duceppe is strongly opposing this certification, even denying that they have stage technicians in their employ. Their focus seems to be on preventing technicians from obtaining the union representation to which they are entitled.

The company’s position is particularly galling, given the Duceppe family’s proud and strong union legacy in Quebec. Jean Duceppe, for whom the Compagnie was named, served as President of the Uda (Union des Artistes) and was a founding member of the NDP. His son, Gilles Duceppe, was a union negotiator at the CSN (Confédération des syndicats nationaux) and is listed in wikipedia as a “Quebec trade unionist and politician.” The Compagnie Jean Duceppe is now run by Amélie Duceppe, who has clearly taken a position in strong opposition to her father and grandfather.

The anti-union actions of this flagship of the Quebec artistic community are not only disappointing, they are insulting to the technicians who have devoted themselves to the service of Compagnie Jean Duceppe productions for years; some for nearly twenty-five years. They thought they were part of the great Duceppe family and now feel that they are being disowned because they want the power to collectively bargain for fair and equitable working conditions.

Media Inquiries:
Natalie Goyer, IATSE Local 56 President
president@iatse56.com