Production crew members at the Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) Tucson branch have unanimously voted to form a union with Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 415 (The Loft Union).
These staff members handle a number of critical roles like lighting, sound, set, props, transport, costume and makeup. ATC crew produce a full season of plays each year, constructing sets in their Tucson shops and staging performances at the 623-seat Temple of Music and Art. The newly minted IATSE members are eager to begin negotiating a contract that addresses core concerns like the need for more frequent breaks, better schedules and wages that keep up with the rising cost of living.
“People who are committed to making ATC a better place, and who believe in the idea of unionizing, don't believe in it because they think ATC is a terrible place to work,” lead electrician Allison Gammons said. “I think those of us who have been involved in organizing others and writing the (union) newsletter and writing emails and showing up to the meetings are doing it because we want to keep working at ATC. We want it to be a good workplace, and we like working with the people that we work with, and we want them to stay and feel fulfilled in their job as well.”
“I have been amazed and inspired by the organization and the unity of this group of workers,” added Ian Fritz, business agent and organizer for Local 415. “Our local is excited to welcome them into membership, into our IATSE family, and to work with them to win a fair contract.”