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A Letter from Local 8 President Barnes

To the Wilma Theater Stagehands,
Welcome! The membership of the IATSE Local 8 look forward to you and your co-workers at the Wilma Theater joining the largest union of theatrical technicians in the United States and Canada. Many of your brother and sisters working in regional theater companies are already part of The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. Being part of a larger community makes everyone stronger, safer and better represented at our places of employment.

To that end the IATSE Local 8 filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to recognize your union. In four weeks there will be an election and the opportunity to formally join other stage employees in community.

Today of all days, we need this stagehand community. As the GOP attacks health care, we negotiate coverage in our contracts; as Republicans eliminate social security, we negotiate retirement plans; as Trump defunds OSHA and the NEA, we negotiate safety at our worksites and fight to protect our industry. More than ever, we need worker solidarity.

Throughout this process, the IATSE Local 8 will strive to provide truthful information and a positive message. Everyone should have the opportunity to make an informed decision. The majority of Wilma stagehand employees clearly indicated support for a union. And while elections may be divisive, it is our intent to bring people together to improve their lives, their theater and their industry. Take part in the debate and use the opportunity to have honest conversations. Do not let differences of opinion become a wedge.
The IATSE Local 8 will be communicating by snail mail, email, text, social media, phone calls and meetings. We are available anytime to discuss the issues. If you request not to be contacted just let us know; we honor your privacy.

I look forward to talking with all of you. Attached is a list of LORT and Philadelphia regional theaters who have represented workers. Reach out and ask your peers what it is like to be part of this community.
Sincerely,
Michael Barnes
IATSE Local 8
President/Business Manager


LORT Member and Philadelphia Regional Theatres
Theatre 
City
State
CBA
Local
ACT Theatre
Seattle
WA
Yes
15
American Conservatory Theater
San Francisco
CA
Yes
16
Arizona Theatre Company
Phoenix
AZ
Yes
336
Bristol Riverside Theater
Philadelphia
PA
Yes
8
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
Cincinnati
OH
Yes
5
Cleveland Play House
Cleveland
OH
Yes
27
Denver Center Theatre Company
Denver
CO
Yes
7
Ford's Theatre
Washington
DC
Yes
22
George Street Playhouse
New Brunswick
NJ
Yes
21
Guthrie Theater
Minneapolis
MN
Yes
13
La Jolla Playhouse
San Diego
CA
Yes
122
Lincoln Center Theater
New York
NY
Yes
1
Maltz Jupiter Theatre
Jupiter
FL
Yes
500
Manhattan Theatre Club
New York
NY
Yes
1
Media Theater
Philadelphia
PA
Yes
8
Opera Company of Phila.
Philadelphia
PA
Yes
8
Pennsylvania Ballet
Philadelphia
PA
Yes
8
Philadelphia Orchestra
Philadelphia
PA
Yes
8
Philadelphia Theatre Company
Philadelphia
PA
Yes
8
Pittsburgh Public Theater
Pittsburgh
PA
Yes
3
Roundabout Theatre Company
New York
NY
Yes
1
Seattle Repertory Theatre
Seattle
WA
Yes
15
The Old Globe
San Diego
CA
Yes
122
Walnut Street Theatre
Philadelphia
PA
Yes
8





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