IATSE 3rd 2019_web

Freeman AV (aka Encore) Canada
IATSE Local 58 was certified as the exclusive
bargaining agent for audio visual
technicians employed by Freeman AV
(aka Encore) at the Metro Toronto Convention
Centre. The Local is in the process
of bargaining a first collective agreement
with Freeman.
The Department has also entered
into negotiations with Freeman AV – US
to include six Locals from four Canadian
cities in the Freeman AV National
Agreement. The Locals include: Local 56
Stagehands and Local 863 Wardrobe/Hair
and Makeup in Montreal; Local 58 Stagehands
and Local 822 Wardrobe/Hair and
Makeup in Toronto; Local 118 in Vancouver;
and Local 212 in Calgary. These negotiations
are currently on hold, pending
the Encore sale to PSAV. Once the sale is
complete, a Canadian Addendum to the
Freeman AV National Agreement will be
created to include the Locals.
Canadian Training &
Tradeshow Participation
Local 58 hosted three days of Customer
Service Training for more than sixty
participants in May 2019. Additional dates
are planned to reach more of the membership.
In August 2019, International
Vice President and Director of Canadian
Affairs John Lewis and International Representatives
Brett and Jason Vergnano are
scheduled to attend the Canadian Institute
of Theatre Technology in Whitehorse,
Yukon. The tradeshow provides the opportunity
to network with industry professionals,
academic institutions, theatre
students and other industry stake holders.
United States Negotiations & Training:
Local 13 Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
Representative Cook assisted the
Local 13 in negotiating a new agreement
with National Convention Services which
provides wage increases in each of the
next five years.
Local 15 Seattle, WA
Local 15 successfully negotiated a
supplemental agreement with Global
Experience Specialists (GES) covering
rigging in the Seattle Convention Center
with the assistance of Representative
Cook. The agreement covers three years
with annual wage increases. There were
further discussions about training in
other areas like booth and carpet installation
and the adding of those categories
to the supplemental agreement which in
turn will increase work opportunities for
the Local.
Local 28 Portland, OR
The Local’s ongoing organizing efforts
have resulted in an increase in trade
show work in its jurisdiction over the past
year creating a need to recruit new referents
to cover the work. Representative
Cook has been working with the Local
28 business representative and training
chairman on their recently revised orientation
class. The course includes workplace
safety, the history of the IA, Local
work rules, dispatch procedures, dress
code, customer service training and path
to membership. Since the last GEB, two
training sessions were held reaching over
sixty new referents.
Local 31 Kansas City, KS
Local 31 has been working with Representative
Gandolini on renewing its
Tradeshow Area Standards Agreement.
To date, the Local has been successful in
signing Accent on Cincinnati, American
Convention Exhibit Services, Exhibit Associates,
Freeman Expositions, Inc., GES,
Heritage Trade Show Services, Shepard
Exposition Services, UPA Production
Services, and Lancaster Management Services.
The term agreement covers three
years and includes wage and benefit increases.
The Local will continue to secure
further signatories to this Area Standards
Agreement as they perform work in this
jurisdiction.
Local 46 Nashville, TN
Representative John Gorey was instrumental
in obtaining a contract with
James Thomas Productions, Inc. (JTP)
to cover work for the 2019 NFL Draft in
Nashville.
Local 51 Houston, TX
Representative Gandolini has worked
with new Local 51 Business Agent Bob
Barker to provide Customer Service
Training in July 2019 with AV Essentials
training to be scheduled later this year.
Local 53 Springfield, MA
Representative Kiracofe previously
reported on negotiations between Local
53 and MGM Resorts. MGM became
the venue manager for the Mass Mutual
Center (MMC) in Springfield, MA in early
2017. A critical element affecting negotiations
included the newly organized Video
Production Engineers (VPE) adding eight
new members to the Local’s membership.
Over the last two years, Local 53 maintained
its focus on the Local’s priorities
and was finally able to reach an agreement
with MGM. Highlights of the agreement
include significant wage increases to the
lowest paid classifications increases to the
other hourly rates and the introduction of
an employee benefit package.
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