Production workers at the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Live Arts Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts voted unanimously late last month to join Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 8.
The new bargaining unit includes full-time and part-time audio engineers, digital production supervisors, house electricians, production coordinators and theater technicians.
“When production workers come together and choose union representation, it benefits more than one workplace,” said Daniel Little, international representative for IATSE. “It strengthens the arts community and helps ensure professional standards across nonprofit and university venues.”
“There are a lot of great aspects of working here at Penn Live Arts,” said Tait Adams, a theater technician. “There is also a lot of room for improvement. As the organization continues to grow, the workers deserve to have a say in our conditions. Being represented by IATSE Local 8 means that we have the necessary support and resources to make sure our voices are heard and recognized.”
AFL-CIO Daily Brief