IATSE_1stQrtr_2018_web

Finally, the Broadcast Department
reported upon its continued training
activities, both as outreach to members
and Locals, and in professional development
among the Department staff. The
Department remains active and engaged
in training and education of IA members.
President Loeb thanked the Department
for its comprehensive report and its
critical work. He commented on the importance
of sustained organizing efforts
and the growing strength of the Alliance
in this changing environment.
IATSE CANADIAN
AFFAIRS REPORT
International Vice President and Director
of Canadian Affairs John Lewis,
International Vice President Damian
Petti, Assistant to the President Sean
McGuire, International Representatives
Peter DaPrato, Jason Vergnano and Krista
Hurdon, CLC Delegate Siobhan Vipond,
Canadian Legal Counsel Ernie Schirru,
District 11 member invitee Sylvana Fernandez
and District 12 member invitee
Eric St. Laurent reported to the General
Executive Board on Canadian matters
since the last General Executive Board
meeting in Hollywood, Florida (not
covered in separate reports).
Vice President Lewis began the Canadian
Report by reviewing status charts
identifying the various formal and informal
assignments the Canadian staff has
been engaged in since the last General
Executive Board meetings. The charts
confirmed that Canadian staff has been
very busy working on a number of tasks
including local engagement, activism,
organizing, bargaining, communications,
contract administration, education
and teaching. Vice President Lewis then
proceeded to provide a more detailed
summary of certain Canadian matters.
Organizing
Local 168 Vancouver Island – Stage
Local 168 filed an application for certification
seeking to represent stagehands
working at the Intrepid Theatre. The
Intrepid Theatre was founded in 1986
to produce the annual Victoria Fringe
Festival. It expanded in 1988 to include
Uno Fest and again in 2015 to include
OUTstages, Victoria’s first queer theatre
arts festival. In addition to the numerous
spaces it operates during the festivals,
the Intrepid also operates two year-round
venues. A representation vote followed
and the Local was certified as the exclusive
bargaining agent. The parties have now
commenced bargaining for a first collective
agreement.
Local 295 Regina/Moose Jaw - Mixed
As reported previously, the International
assisted Local 295 in securing bargaining
rights for the newly constructed
Mosaic Stadium in Regina. Part of the
efforts to secure the work at the Stadium
included filing an unfair labour practice
complaint alleging the Stadium was attempting
to lock out the Local by contracting
the stage work to an outside
labour provider. After considerable
efforts, the Local successfully claimed
bargaining rights for the Stadium and
assured management that the Local could
service the large stadium concerts being
scheduled. Since then, Local 295 successfully
completed all aspects of the “Guns
‘n Roses” concert that took place at the
Mosaic in August 2017 with crew call referrals
peaking at 225. International Representative
Jim Brett was involved in every
aspect of this file and was on site for all
aspects of the concert and should be commended
for his hard work and diligence
in reaching a great result.
Local 634 Sudbury / North Bay - Mixed
The International continues to work
with the leadership of Local 634 to organize
the growing film and television industry
in Northern Ontario. Production
levels exceeded $100 million in 2017 and
indications are that this figure will be surpassed
in 2018. Membership continues to
grow. The Local now has a full-time officer
and has introduced a health plan for its
members. International Representative
Peter DaPrato and Canadian Office Operations
Manager Nate Richmond played
key roles in the planning and staging of
the second Northern Ontario Training
Symposium in September, which featured
a trade show, craft and safety training,
and a number of local and regional politicians
taking part. The Canadian Office
will continue to work with Local 634 to
ensure continued growth and security of
jurisdiction.
Local 669 Western Canada - Camera
Since Local 669 rolled out its Low
Budget Agreement in April 2016, the
Local has seen tremendous success,
having signed over 100 productions and
bringing 222 camera crew into membership.
Most of the work now being covered
is movies-of-the-week for Hallmark and
Lifetime, and low-budget independent
features. In addition to the agreements
done on a production-by-production
basis, a two-year term agreement was
done with Brightlights Studios, the largest
producer of low-budget movies-of-theweek
in Vancouver.
42 OFFICIAL BULLETIN