In an election ordered and conducted by the National Labor Relations Board, IATSE Local 26, West Michigan Stagehands won the right to represent employees of the DeltaPlex Entertainment and Expo Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, announced Business Agent Michael David. The DeltaPlex has an arena that seats 5000 people, 43,000 square feet of exhibit space and various meeting rooms within the complex.
This victory means that Local 26 will represent all full time and regular part time building maintenance, operations, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, sound and light board operators, score and message board operators, fork lift drivers and stage employees interests in the areas of working conditions, salary, pension, health and welfare.
West Michigan Stagehands sought voluntary recognition for the Delta Plex employees for the past two years and had been conducting an organizing drive over the past several months. On October 30th 72 ballots were cast. The result of the vote was 69 – 3 in favor of the Union.
West Michigan Stagehands have been serving Grand Rapids since their founding in 1893, making them one of the oldest labor organizations in the state of Michigan. In Grand Rapids, IATSE Local 26 currently has contracts with the Grand Center (including Welsh Auditorium and DeVos Hall), the VanAndel Arena, Scene It All Productions and John S. Hyatt and Associates.
