The IATSE has a proud history of representing behind the scenes entertainment workers in the United States and Canada since 1898. Working in collaboration and in solidarity with members from both countries has allowed our entire membership to flourish and grow.
The focus of governments in the United States and Canada needs to be on developing trade policies that support workers and working families. The use of tariffs to ensure fair trade are legitimate policy tools. The focus of both the United States and Canada should be on targeting those countries that do not enshrine worker rights and protections, not those that do. Canada should not face unnecessary blanket tariffs given its unique relationship and partnership with the United States.
What’s true in the union movement holds true here – when we respect one another, work together, and align on common issues, we are stronger. The solidarity of workers transcends borders. Our cause is the same – to lift up working families and support economic prosperity.
President John F. Kennedy famously addressed Canadian Parliament regarding the relationship between the two nations, stating, “Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature hath so joined together, let no man put asunder.” Those words are engraved in stone at the entrance to the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa. They still hold true today.
