TORONTO, ON – Front-of-house workers at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema can now add a new descriptor to themselves: union member. The workers, which include cinema box office attendants, concessions attendants, and managers on duty (MODs), voted unanimously for representation by IATSE Local B173. The vote had a 92% turnout and was held on March 13; a week after the application for certification was filed with the Ontario Labour Relations Board. On March 23, the Labour Board issued its decision granting the application.
IATSE B173’s membership is made up almost exclusively of front-of-house workers, so the 22 new members have found a home in local union that is uniquely qualified to address their workplace issues. Secretary-Treasurer Paul Williams played a large role in organizing the workers, and this win is the third success in a larger organizing campaign that kicked off last fall. “Front-of-house workers have unique workplace issues and often, little job security. Joining together with Local B173 is an effective way to ensure that these workers’ concerns get heard by our employers and better workplaces are achieved.”
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema screens a regular theatrical lineup of documentary films throughout the year and is the primary home of the annual Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, as well as smaller film festivals and cultural events. The new IATSE B173 members are looking forward to continuing their work at this historic venue under the security of a collective agreement.