IATSE and Global Spectrum Reach Three Agreement

The IATSE and Global Spectrum reached settlement for a three year agreement covering production work in arenas throughout North America. The new agreement replaces the first time deal negotiated by the International in 2004.

Since its inception, the agreement has been implemented in 16 facilities in the United States and Canada ranging in size from 3000 to 20,000 seats. Activities spurred by the National Agreement have included increased job opportunities, improved conditions, and the introduction to the National Benefit Plans and a new charter being issued in Southeast Virginia. The Locals, with assistance from the International, have
organized a number of new members and have implemented training to increase jurisdiction within the Locals. The deal affects approximately 750 members in ten Locals’ jurisdictions, and includes over 175 new members.

The Negotiating Committee made up of Vice President Mike Barnes, Vice President and Co-Director of Stage Craft Brian Lawlor, International Representatives Ira Alper and Pat White were joined by Representatives from Locals 28 (Portland, Oregon), 53 (Springfield, Massachusetts), 114 (Lewiston, Maine), 229 (Loveland, Colorado), 500 (South Florida), 799 (Philadelphia Wardrobe) and 752 (Philadelphia Ticket Sellers). The negotiations took place in Philadelphia over a three day period resulting in a settlement agreement. Highlights of the agreement include recognition of the Hair and Make-Up
Departments, a 3% wage increase each year of the contract retro-active and compounded, increases to the Heath and Welfare and Retirement funds as well gains in jurisdiction and staffing and clarifications raised by the Locals at the bargaining table.

Global Spectrum’s parent company, Comcast-Spectacor, is the Philadelphia-based sports and entertainment firm which owns the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League, the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association, the Wachovia Center, the Wachovia Spectrum and Comcast SportsNet, the 24-hour regional sports programming TV network. Global Spectrum continues to expand the number of venues it manages introducing the IA into markets and facilities that have been historically hard to organize.

The International, under the direction of President Thomas C. Short, negotiated this first of a kind National Deal for stagehand and wardrobe work in arenas. Keeping with President Short’s policy of inclusion, the Local administering the contract was invited to participate and played and integral part in the final settlement. The success of this negotiation indicates that national agreements in stage craft will result in organizing new members and improving the wages, benefits and conditions of our Locals’ members.