International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees is a labor union that represents over 140,000 technicians, artisans, and craftspeople in the entertainment industry, including film, television, theater, and live events. The union has a long history, dating back to 1893, when it was founded by Walter F. Brown and a group of stagehands from the Theatre Owners Booking Association. The union's early years were marked by struggles with vaudeville and burlesque theater owners, including B.F. Keith and Edward F. Albee. Today, the union is affiliated with the AFL-CIO and works closely with other entertainment industry unions, such as the Screen Actors Guild and the Writers Guild of America.

● History

The union's history is closely tied to the development of the entertainment industry in the United States. In the early 20th century, the union played a key role in the formation of the Hollywood studio system, working with studios such as Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros., and MGM Studios. The union also worked with film directors such as D.W. Griffith and Cecil B. DeMille to establish standards for working conditions and labor practices. During World War II, the union supported the war effort by producing training films and propaganda films for the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. The union has also been involved in the development of new technologies, such as television and digital cinema, working with companies like Sony and Panavision.

● Organization

The union is divided into over 350 local unions, each representing a specific geographic area or craft specialty. The union's leadership includes a president, secretary-treasurer, and executive board, which is composed of representatives from each of the union's departments, including the Stagehands Department, Motion Picture and Television Department, and Broadcasting Department. The union also has a number of committees, including the Grievance Committee and the Organizing Committee, which work to resolve disputes and recruit new members. The union is headquartered in New York City and has offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, and other major cities.

● Membership

The union's membership includes a wide range of craftspeople and technicians, including stagehands, grips, electricians, camera operators, and sound engineers. Members work in a variety of settings, including film studios, television studios, theaters, and live event venues. The union also represents members who work in post-production, including editors, visual effects artists, and sound designers. Members have worked on a wide range of films, television shows, and live events, including Academy Award-winning films like The Lord of the Rings and The Matrix, as well as popular television shows like Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead.

● Collective Bargaining

The union engages in collective bargaining with producers and employers to establish wages, benefits, and working conditions for its members. The union has negotiated collective bargaining agreements with major studios and production companies, including Warner Bros., Universal Studios, and Netflix. The union also works with other entertainment industry unions to establish industry-wide standards and best practices. The union's collective bargaining agreements cover a wide range of issues, including overtime pay, health insurance, and pension benefits. The union has also negotiated agreements with live event promoters, including Live Nation and AEG Presents.

● Notable Strikes and Disputes

The union has been involved in a number of notable strikes and disputes over the years, including the 1937 Disney strike, which involved animators and cartoonists at Walt Disney Productions. The union has also been involved in disputes with producers and employers over issues like wages, benefits, and working conditions. In 2007, the union went on strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, resulting in a new collective bargaining agreement that included significant increases in wages and benefits. The union has also been involved in disputes with streaming services, including Netflix and Amazon Studios, over issues like residuals and working conditions.

● International Affiliations

The union is affiliated with a number of international labor organizations, including the International Federation of Actors and the UNI Global Union. The union also works closely with other entertainment industry unions around the world, including the British Actors' Equity Association and the Australian Theatrical and Amusement Employees' Association. The union has also participated in international conferences and workshops, including the International Labour Organization's World Congress on Safety and Health at Work. The union's international affiliations have helped to establish global standards for working conditions and labor practices in the entertainment industry. The union has also worked with organizations like the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees' sister unions, including the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians and the Communications Workers of America.

Category:Entertainment industry unions