IATSE's HistoryInternational Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees

The Origination of IATSE

Founded in 1893, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees represents workers in the entertainment industry. Our members work in all forms of live theater, motion picture and television production, trade shows and exhibitions, television broadcasting, and concerts as well as the equipment and construction shops that support all these areas of the entertainment industry. We represent virtually all behind the scenes workers necessary to the functioning of the entertainment industry, from all forms of live entertainment to motion picture and televisions to conventions and trade shows.

Local Unions

Within the U.S. and Canada, there are more than 375 IATSE local unions whose members make up the rank and file of the IATSE. The IATSE local unions are organized to represent workers by geographic and craft jurisdiction.

Each local functions independently, maintaining their own Constitution and By-Laws, elections, dues structure, membership meetings, and more. Locals negotiate labor contracts regarding wages, work rules, and grievance procedures. They also provide services to their members by administering health and retirement funds and providing training and education. The IATSE local unions work for the interest of their membership, while also representing the overarching goals of the IATSE International.

IATSE International

The IATSE International Union supports all individual local unions and members in numerous ways, including by:

Coordinating the negotiation of nationwide agreements within the U.S. and Canada

Planning for the future by setting policies to improve the effectiveness of the locals and the International

Providing support for local unions and members as needed, including everything from craft training and leadership education to local administration, organizing and collective bargaining assistance

The International’s General Executive Board is led by the International President. It consists of the General Secretary-Treasurer and 13 International Vice-Presidents. Of the Vice Presidents, two are designated to come from Canadian locals; one is designated to come from the West Coast Studio production locals; another, the Special Department locals; and the remainder are undesignated.

Three International Trustees review the financial activities of the IATSE through semi-annual audits of the International’s books and records. The General Executive Board has the legislative authority to amend the International Constitution by unanimous vote and the judicial authority to hear appeals from locals and members from decisions of the International President. All officers of the IATSE are elected during the IATSE International Convention, which is held every four years.

History of IATSE Local One

In 1863 the first stage employees' organization was named the Theatrical Workman's Council and then became the Theatrical Mechanical Association in 1865 when it incorporated under New York State law. This was encouraged by Abraham Lincoln being elected president of the United States with the votes of the working class.

Though not quite a modern union, the Theatrical Mechanical Association did provide welfare benefits and grew to 41 members. On April 26, 1886, many of those members met at 187 Bowery in the heart of the theater district to draw up a new charter and constituted that they “deem it eminently right that we should organize for the development and improvement of our conditions, asking but a fair and just compensation commensurate with the service rendered so that equity may be maintained and the welfare of our organization promoted, accepting any wise, honorable, and conservative mediation as a proper adjustment of all difficulties that may arise.”

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Iatse International Links

Home of IATSE International http://www.iatse.net/

IATSE Member Resourceshttp://www.iatse.net/member-resources

IATSE Member Benefits http://www.iatse.net/member-benefits

Equality Statement

Equal rights are the cornerstone of the labor movement. Unions were founded on the principle that all people are equal and all people are deserving of respect and fair treatment. Equality issues run through all areas of trade union activities – from health and safety to wage negotiations.

IATSE is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating all forms of discrimination. We are opposed to unlawful and unfair discrimination and oppression on the grounds of sex, gender identity and expression, relationship or marital status, race or ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, language, background, political or religious beliefs, physical appearance, pregnancy or responsibility for dependents.

We believe that equality for all is a basic human right and we actively oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. IATSE leaders and members must be vigilant in working, both with each other and with our employers, to promote an equal and welcoming environment for all people, through our actions, attitudes, and language. The IATSE celebrates the diversity of society and is striving to promote and reflect that diversity within this organization.

IATSE Local Contact Information

IATSE Local 346
P.O. Box 5
Lexington, KY 40588

Phone: (859) 221-1921
Email: iatselocal346@gmail.com

IATSE Photostream Links

About IASTE Local 346

Our Local 346’s expertise spans many different skills sets that provides service for corporate events, trade shows, concerts, theater productions, stadium shows, and arena events. Allow our team to make your production or event a success.