CHEMAINUS, BC – Stage, wardrobe, scenic art, and scenic construction workers at the Chemainus Theatre Festival have voted for representation by IATSE Local 168. Discussions between the workers and Local 168 started prior to COVID. They were interrupted by the pandemic but resumed once the venue was reopened. The Local filed an application for certification on June 12, and the representation vote was held on June 29. Due to procedural issues the vote count was delayed, but ultimately resulted in overwhelming support for representation.
The decision was released by the BC Labour Relations Board on October 11, awarding IATSE Local 168 jurisdiction for stage workers at the venue.
Built in 1993, the 274-seat Chemainus Theatre Festival is a professional theatre located on Vancouver Island in the seaside community of Chemainus. The Festival strives to develop new Canadian classic adaptations and plays, to employ professional artists and artisans, and to educate, support and inspire artists at all levels of development.
Other stage workers looking to form or join a union should contact IATSE International Representative Jeremy Salter at jsalter@iatse.net.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Krista Hurdon, IATSE International Representative
khurdon@iatse.net
