MILTON, ON – On September 11, stagehands at the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton voted for representation by IATSE Local 129. The group had approached the IATSE after becoming concerned over job security due to the pending departure of their Technical Director. Following some meetings with the stagehands, Local 129 filed for certification with the Ontario Labour Relations Board on September 4.
The FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton is an interdisciplinary arts venue that builds and supports cultural vitality and is the community’s cornerstone for creativity. This versatile centre features six distinct spaces: the 500-seat Mattamy Theatre, the multi-purpose MinMaxx Hall, the Holcim Gallery, the Del Ridge Community Room, and two art studios – the Tim Hortons Children’s Art Studio and the Robert Bateman Art Studio.
The certification, which was issued by the Ontario Labour Relations Board on September 19, covers the full-time positions of Lead Technician, Audio Technician, and Lighting Technician, as well as all casual stagehands required for larger events. The new IATSE members look forward to continuing to do the work they love, under the security of a collective agreement.
