TORONTO, ON – The IATSE Local 58 stagehands have an ongoing organizing campaign to offer representation to theatre workers, and they’ve just added Tarragon to their menu. On April 26, the Ontario Labour Relations Board issued a certificate awarding representation of all Tarragon Theatre technicians to IATSE Local 58. The application for certification was filed on April 9 and the vote was held on April 16. The two-person bargaining unit voted unanimously for representation. Because both technicians are women, this resulted in the first all-female certification in the local’s history. Outside of the traditionally female-dominated wardrobe locals, it may also be the first all-female IATSE certification in the history of Canada.
The technicians began discussions with Local 58 in March and were quickly supportive of union representation. Things have now come full circle, as one of the two stagehands is a former recipient of the IATSE Local 58 Award for Achievement in Theatre Production from Humber College.
Founded in 1970, Tarragon Theatre is one of the main centres for contemporary playwriting in Canada. The building was once a cribbage board factory and now houses the 205-seat Mainspace and the 113-seat Extra Space. The theatre is highly respected for its development, creation and encouragement of new work. The new IATSE members are looking forward to continuing their work in this historic building, soon to be under their first collective agreement.
