IATSE: In order to bring awareness to issues important to Los Angeles Opera (LAO) costume workers – wages and including department heads under the contract – costume shop employees will be handing out leaflets to the public and guests at the Opera’s Opening Night Gala performance on September 17th.
3 comments:
The fact that a certain group of people are not getting paid is a problem but the fact that management has not addressed it is an even bigger problem. The LAO costume workers are protesting wages. The LAO costume shop voted on a labor union in 2021 but have not been able to make little progress because of management being unresponsive. Part of management's job is to listen to their employees and when these major problems are not addressed things escalate. The fact that these costumers are not getting paid as much when they make a lot of what is put on stage is a huge problem. Costumers usually spend way more time in the studio and extra time they are not paid for. This is the main reason why this is so important. Unions are really important in any workplace setting and makes sure people get what they deserve in a job.
This is a large issue as everyone deserves a living wage (if not a larger one). I love this industry but the fact that this story is not an outlier or a shock to the industry is such a shame. Yes, progress is being made in the world and our industry, but until we adjust wages to accurately compensate for the work being done, we will not truly be sustainable or equitable. This is why unions are so important and for management to honor union agreements. Applauding people for their work and saying how amazing they are does not pay bills or actually validate their contributions. I truly hope the industry continues to change and shift to paying people what they actually deserve whether it be on a regular basis or in emergency overtime situations. No one should have to suffer to make the art we all love to consume.
Seeing this trend in theatre of workers trying to unionize but being shut down by their companies is so frustrating. Theatre has such a history of unlivable wages and long hours with no return. People who choose to do theatre for a living do it because we can’t imagine doing anything else in our lives. To protect that, unionizing is a good idea. Like they say in the article too, it will get even more talented theatre artists to work for their company because they know they will have a fair contract. The fact that these costume artists are categorized in the “low income” wages is absurd too, especially since they are living in California, a place where wages are very high. At some point. LAO will need to stop stalling and give their workers a livable contract. In the meantime, I hope these costume workers continue to educate the public and push for their livable wage and rights. -Hailey Garza
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