The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts (IATSE) today announced a collective bargaining agreement with live event production company, New Hampshire-based Steelman Production Services (SPS). Serving all of New England and upstate New York, SPS was founded by Kurt Steelman, a 30-year veteran of large live event management. The company offers oversight, and administrative and labor services for live events of every scale and scope.
The agreement between the IATSE and SPS offers hundreds of workers accessibility to the resources, training, support and security that organized labor provides. As our country emerges from the pandemic, there are more live events and shows scheduled for 2023 than any pre-pandemic year. The ability to safely and seamlessly meet increasing demand for live event laborers serves the artists, workforce and shared communities that drive our collective economy.
A testament to the integrity and shared respect of both organizations, the extensive process of negotiating collectively was simplified with one-on-one discussions between IATSE and SPS. “Working directly with Kurt streamlined the conversations,” said First International Vice President Michael Barnes. “He’s been on both sides of the coin, so he understands the needs of the union as well as his company, and that saved us valuable time, not to mention tens of thousands of dollars in attorney fees.”
“I’m grateful to IATSE for making collective bargaining accessible, and to Locals 11 and 195,” said SPS President, Kurt Steelman. “This agreement comes from a sincere wish on both sides to benefit the hard working, good people behind the shows we all enjoy.” With this agreement union membership becomes accessible to the hundreds of working people throughout New England who make live events happen. This includes Locals 195 New Hampshire, and 11 Boston.
Steelman continued, “In sharing resources we achieve the biggest wins; we utilize the power of the labor movement to do good by doing what’s right.”
ABOUT KURT STEELMAN & STEELMAN PRODUCTION SERVICES, INC.
From laying cables, placing microphones, and running sound systems, to humping gear, hanging rigging, tweaking lights, and everything in between, Kurt Steelman started working his way through the ranks of live event production as a projectionist and stagehand in Local 195 in the early 80’s. In 2003, Kurt founded Steelman Production Services, Inc. (SPS). He’s guided its growth to its current-day position as one of the top stadium-sized concert tour and music festival production companies in the Northeast. A respected resource for management and labor for live events of every scale and scope, SPS provides management, administrative and labor services employing loaders, runners, stagehands, electricians, carpenters, equipment operators, steel workers, riggers, stage managers, production managers, caterers, artist relations, and payroll accountants.
For more information, please contact:
Eve Alintuck
Steelman Production Services
(310) 428-0598
eve@oneeve.com
Jonas Loeb
IATSE, Director of Communications
Press inquiries: press@iatse.net
General Information: comms@iatse.net
