Burnaby, BC — The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is calling on the City of Burnaby to take action to preserve the Michael J. Fox Theatre, a vital cultural venue and source of good union jobs that faces closure at the end of June.
In March, the theatre technicians at the Michael J. Fox Theatre unanimously voted to join IATSE Local 118, securing a collective voice at work and committing to a future at the venue. Weeks later, the workers learned that the theatre is slated to cease operations on June 30. On April 13, all employees were issued an eleven-week working notice.
We have since learned that in January 2025, Burnaby City Council voted unanimously to explore whether the City should play a role in managing the theatre. While we await a report back and an ultimate decision by City Council, the future of the theatre is very uncertain.
“We have to save the Michael J. Fox Theatre,” said IATSE International Vice President Damian Petti. “These workers are facing an uncertain future and the community risks losing a beloved local venue. Now is the time for the City of Burnaby to act.”
Le Michael J. Fox Theatre est depuis longtemps au service de la communauté de Burnaby en tant que lieu dédié aux spectacles vivants, aux programmes étudiants et aux événements publics. Derrière chaque spectacle se cachent des techniciens de théâtre qualifiés qui garantissent la sécurité, l’accessibilité et le respect des normes professionnelles. Ces emplois ne sont pas remplaçables, et ce lieu n’est pas jetable.
IATSE believes the closure of the Michael J. Fox Theatre is a choice, not a necessity. The IATSE calls on the City of Burnaby to invest in local arts and culture, and to commit to protecting the Michael J Fox theatre for generations to come.
The union will continue to exhaust all possible actions to fight for the technicians of IATSE Local 118.
If you would like to support the campaign to save the Michael J Fox Theatre and protect union jobs, visit SaveTheMJFTheatre.ca and sign the petition. Organizations wishing to support should contact International Representative William Gladman at wgladman@iatse.net.
