TORONTO, ON — Nearly two years after certifying, employees at Sunbelt Film and Television Rentals in Toronto, formerly known as William F. White International, have ratified their first collective agreement with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). This agreement covers workers at a film and television equipment supply company and is the only collective agreement of its kind in Canada.
Of the ninety-nine eligible members in the bargaining unit, ninety-seven cast ballots. The vast majority voted in favor of ratification. The workers’ union was able to achieve many of the unit’s priorities in this first agreement, including including wage increases of 12 % over the three-year term, which include retroactive increases back to June 2024 as well as a substantial signing bonus for all employees.
“There were times during this long, drawn-out negotiation where it felt like we may never get to this moment. It was the determination of our bargaining committee, and the patience and support of the Sunbelt employees throughout the process, that got us to the finish line,” said Monty Montgomerie, IATSE International Representative and bargaining committee member.
“The turnout for the ratification vote and the overwhelming support for the collective agreement is nothing short of spectacular,” said John Lewis, IATSE International Vice President and Director of Canadian Affairs.
This ratification is part of a growing wave of unionization in the entertainment industry across the United States and Canada. Workers who want to learn more about joining the movement can visit https://canada.iatse.net/how-to-join/ to connect with an organizer.
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The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees or IATSE (full name: International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada), is a labor union representing over 170,000 technicians, artisans and craftspersons in the entertainment industry, including live events, motion picture and television production, broadcast, and trade shows in the United States and Canada.
For more information, please contact:
Jonas Loeb
IATSE, Director of Communications
Press inquiries: press@iatse.net
General Information: comms@iatse.net
