WINNIPEG, MB — The Manitoba Labour Board has officially certified the prop workers’ union at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre (RMTC), with workers voting unanimously to join IATSE Local 63. The three-member unit, comprised of the Head of Props, Assistant Head of Props/Props Buyer, and Props Builder, voted 3 to 0 in favor of union representation. The Manitoba Labour Board issued the certification on March 23, 2026, formally recognizing the workers’ union and paving the way for negotiating their first collective agreement.

The path to certification began in December 2025, when Local 63 opened discussions with the props department about the benefits of IATSE membership. After several months of conversations, including consultations with unionized props departments at other theatres across Canada, workers signed their union cards in early March.

As Canada’s oldest English-language regional theatre, The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre holds a prominent place in the world of Canadian arts. Known for classics, Broadway hits, and new Canadian plays, RMTC has produced more than 600 shows in its 68-year history.
IATSE Local 63 President Chris Thomson called the outcome a landmark moment for the union. “This is a great achievement, as this is the first department outside the stage and carpentry shop to unionize since the theatre first opened,” said Thomson.

“We are proud to welcome the props department at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre into the IATSE family,” said IATSE International Vice-President and Director of Canadian Affairs, John Lewis. “These workers took an important step towards bettering their working conditions, and we look forward to supporting them as they begin bargaining a strong first agreement.”

Theatre workers interested in organizing their workplaces can reach out to IATSE at iatse.net/join to connect with an organizer.