IATSE 212 to Represent Several Positions on Stampede Grounds
Calgary, AB – The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 212, won a certification vote today to unionize workers who build, tear-down and facilitate events on the Stampede grounds, including the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth – The Calgary Stampede.
The yes votes achieved 80%. The parties will now work towards signing a first collective agreement.
IATSE 212 President, Damian Petti, is thrilled to be moving forward with bargaining a first agreement; however, he maintains that he was disappointed that the Stampede withdrew its voluntary recognition with IATSE last year.
“IATSE 212 and the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede have a working relationship that spans almost 100 years,” said Petti. “When the 2021 Stampede went ahead, they called us to supply much of the labour for the event. That’s what triggered the application for certification. They continued to want and need the skills of IATSE members, but weren’t willing to commit to a contract. I’m much happier with a legitimate contract rather than voluntary recognition, anyway. And so are our members.”
With the certification in place, the next step is to meet at bargaining table to get a first collective agreement in place.
“First contract bargaining is always difficult,” said Petti. “I’m optimistic, though, because we’re not starting from scratch, as we successfully bargained several contracts in the past under the voluntary recognition. I look forward to the process.”
Petti also stated that he welcomes the new members that have been acquired through this certification.