TORONTO, ON – In two separate votes, stagehands as well as hair, makeup, and wardrobe workers at Canada’s Wonderland voted unanimously to join the IATSE. These skilled workers are the people behind the scenes for live performances at Canada’s largest amusement park. On September 8, the stagehands voted to join IATSE Local 58 and on September 20, the hair, makeup, and wardrobe workers voted to join IATSE Local 822. Local 58 represents close to 500 members in the Greater Toronto Area at over 30 venues and Local 822 represents more than 100 workers at 15 venues across the Greater Toronto Area.
Entertainment is a unique industry, and its highly specialized workers are exclusively who the IATSE represents. By working collectively, and with the expertise of IATSE Locals 58 and 822, Wonderland’s stage workers are looking forward to having more control and input where they work. These are important victories for all involved, and are especially meaningful for Local 58, which first attempted to organize the Canada’s Wonderland stagehands 36 years ago.
The new IATSE members will now be able to collectively bargain to improve their working conditions. Wages, access to more work, communication with employees, and job security have been identified as some of the areas where workers are seeking improvements. The negotiation process will begin shortly.
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Krista Hurdon, IATSE International Representative
khurdon@iatse.net