What is Organizing?
Organizing is the process of you and your coworkers coming together to form or join a union. In very simplified terms, it means working together to get everyone together and on the same page, turning a group of separate individuals into a cohesive unit that presents their common interests and concerns to their employer.
Why Organize?
Simply put, we’re stronger together. One worker bargaining with an employer doesn’t have much leverage, but an entire group of workers bargaining has a lot more power. This is called Collective Bargaining.
What is a Union?
A common misconception is that a union is a separate organization that “comes in,” rather than a united collective of workers like you coming together to create a position of strength, support, and protection. There is a structure within a union, where there are staff like the business agents who negotiate and enforce contracts on your behalf, but the contracts themselves are worked out by you and voted on by union members in good standing. The union is as strong as you make it, and it’s stronger when workers are engaged and involved with the process.
What Can the Union Do?
The union can help negotiate strong, legally binding contracts that spell out working conditions and your rights that the employer can’t simply change whenever they feel like it. These contracts can also solidify disciplinary process and set out a process that provides more job security and require “just cause” for termination, as well as strengthen protections from discrimination for things like gender, race, or sexual orientation. They also set out safety parameters and requirements, establish policies surrounding health insurance and retirement security, and establish stronger wages. These contracts mean that everyone works under the same set of rules. Having the union at your back means that there’s an entire organization to help you if something goes wrong.
Who Does the Union Represent?
International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 15 represents workers in all areas of stagecraft and live event crew, as well as certain front of house, customer-facing positions like ticket takers, ushers, and more. The venues we have agreements with range from school districts to small clubs to stadiums.
How Do We Organize?
Reach out to Local 15’s staff organizer to tell us! We will help you with the process from day 1 to your contract ratification and beyond. We will meet with you and talk you through what needs to happen and explain your rights. Organizing is a federally protected activity and every worker has the right to seek union membership.
Email c.amadea[at]ia15.org
