BURNABY, BC — Ten theatre technicians at the Michael J. Fox Theatre have unanimously voted to join the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 118. All 10 workers signed union cards in support of union representation, and the British Columbia Labour Relations Board officially certified the local as their bargaining agent on March 17, 2026.
The Michael J. Fox Theatre is a non-profit community theatre that has been in operation since 1993. Located in Burnaby, BC, the 613-seat venue hosts a wide range of events including theatre, dance, music, and other community productions and events, serving as a cultural hub for the region.
Workers approached IATSE Local 118 in early March to discuss unionizing their workplace. From there, things moved quickly, and the workers were able to secure unanimous support within a week of the first meeting. Assisted by BC’s automatic certification (“card check”) rules, workers achieved certification at a BC Labour Relations Board hearing. The local now moves forward to bargaining.
“The Michael J. Fox Theatre is a beloved community venue that has brought people together since 1993,” said Joe Sawan, Business Agent for IATSE Local 118. “We’re excited to represent the theatre technicians who make it all possible, and we look forward to working with them to bargain a strong and progressive collective agreement.”
The organizing victory at the Michael J. Fox Theatre adds to IATSE’s growing representation of arts and cultural workers across British Columbia and demonstrates the expanding recognition among entertainment workers that collective bargaining provides essential protections for stage crews.
“The speed and unanimity of this organizing drive shows how ready these workers were for union representation,” says John Lewis, IATSE International Vice-President and Director of Canadian Affairs. “We’re proud to welcome the Michael J. Fox Theatre technicians to IATSE, and we look forward to bargaining a strong first contract that reflects their contributions to this important community venue.” Theatre workers looking to organize their workplaces can reach out to IATSE at iatse.net/join to connect with an organizer.
