I.A.T.S.E. and their Role
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees started off when representatives of stagehands working in 11 cities met in New York to support efforts to fight for fair wages and working spaces. Their members work in all forms of live performance, theatre, film, television production trade shows and exhibitions, television broadcasting and concerts. In 2015 their membership was at almost 122,000.
Even in the changing entertainment industry they fight for the rights of the workers that are behind the scenes, ranging from motion picture animator to theatre usher. Against odds and the enhancement of digital effects IATSE is actually growing in size and gaining its membership. |
“The once-tiny IATSE film and TV production locals in Georgia, Louisiana and New Mexico have seen their memberships skyrocket in recent years as more and more productions leave LA in search of bigger and better tax incentives” (Robb, David). |