ATLANTA, GA — Approximately 32 crewmembers employed by The Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA will be working under the protections of a union contract after winning voluntary recognition and a first collective bargaining agreement earlier this fall. The union, comprised of various skilled professionals such as wardrobe workers, fly rail operators, stage operations workers, audio engineers, spotlight operators, stage electricians, and hair and make-up workers, has joined the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Locals 798, 859, and 927, respectively.
The 660-seat Alliance Theatre, which is part of the larger Robert W. Woodruff Arts Center, is a Tony Award Winning venue, a League of Residential Theatres Member, and counted among the leading producing theaters in the Southeast — reaching more than 165,000 patrons annually. The Alliance has premiered more than 100 original productions, professionally launching acclaimed American musicals such as The Color Purple and Sister Act: The Musical.
Among the numerous improvements won in their recently ratified contract, the crew will now receive:
– Immediate wage increases between 8% and 22% (depending on classification)
– Daily overtime after 10 hours
– Protections governing meal breaks and turnaround time
– Insurance benefits
– PTO and paid medical leave
– 2 floating holidays
– Overtime and PTO for work on holidays
– Longevity bonuses
Expressing his pride in the achievement, IATSE International Representative Bo Howard stated, “I couldn’t be prouder of this group. Despite the challenges, the solidarity among this crew was unparalleled, and the workers have secured several significant victories as a result.”
IATSE Local 927 Business agent Mo Guiberteau added, “My sincere appreciation goes out to the folks who worked tirelessly on this for a year and half. Together with Emma Mouledoux, Charles Bedell, Samantha Reese of Local 798, and Cindy Roberts of Local 859 the team collaborated extensively on educating and organizing The Alliance Theatre, and we now have a great first contract to show for it.”
The Alliance Theatre’s decision to voluntarily recognize the union aligns with a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where employers increasingly acknowledge and respect the choice of workers seeking a collective voice through a union. This voluntary recognition underscores the benefits that organized labor brings to the workplace, including the maintenance of staffing levels and the provision of skills and safety training.
Theatre workers nationwide are coming together to win essential access to healthcare, training, robust safety measures, mental health resources, and avenues for professional growth. If you are interested in joining the movement, head to iatse.net/join to contact an organizer.
