Iatse

Who We Are

We are IATSE, the union behind entertainment, representing over 170,000 strong behind-the-scenes entertainment workers in the United States and Canada. Our members work in various aspects of the entertainment industry, including live events, motion picture and television production, broadcast, trade shows, and more. As the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, we stand together to provide strong representation and advocate for better wages, training, benefits, and overall working conditions for our members.

Our Mission

Our mission is to unite entertainment workers across North America, providing a collective voice to negotiate fair treatment, safe working conditions, and a better quality of life for our members. We believe that by standing together, we can achieve greater gains than we could individually. Through our collective bargaining agreements, we strive to improve the lives of our members and their families, while also promoting the interests of the entertainment industry as a whole.

Our Services

As a union, we offer a range of services to our members, including:

• Negotiations and Collective Bargaining: We negotiate fair contracts with employers to ensure our members receive the compensation and benefits they deserve.
• Education and Training: We provide training and education programs to help our members develop new skills and advance their careers in the entertainment industry.
• Political and Legislative Advocacy: We advocate for policies and legislation that benefit our members and the entertainment industry, such as better working conditions, fair taxation, and access to healthcare.
• Mutual Aid and Emergency Financial Assistance: We provide financial assistance to members in need, such as those affected by work stoppages or natural disasters.
• Community Building and Networking: We offer opportunities for our members to connect with each other, share knowledge and experiences, and build a stronger sense of community within the entertainment industry.

Our Structure

Our union is made up of local unions, each representing members in a specific geographic area or sector of the entertainment industry. Our leadership structure consists of elected leaders and staff who work together to serve the needs of our members. We also have various committees and departments focused on specific areas, such as stagecraft, motion picture and television, tradeshow, and broadcast.

Our History

With a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, IATSE has been at the forefront of the entertainment industry, fighting for the rights and dignity of our members. From humble beginnings as a small group of stagehands to our current status as a powerful union, we have always remained committed to our core values of solidarity, justice, and equality.