Thank you for your interest in joining us. Please read this page thoroughly and speak with one of our officers before beginning the application process.
Know the Law
IATSE #320 will not allow an employer to falsely claim you as an independent contractor (something our competition does). What does that mean? When working for IATSE you are hired as an employee: unemployment insurance is paid on your behalf by the employer, and you have taxes taken out. (No more 1099's.) If you are not aware of the law make yourself aware. It is illegal for your employer to call you an independent contractor (GA Code 48-7-127).
Who Can Join?
We invite anyone working within our craft and interested in becoming a professional Union Stagehand to learn about the path for membership. We are an equal opportunity organization. Members wishing to better their skills are given the opportunity through training programs. Timeliness and cleanliness are requirements of our members before we begin a work call. Solidarity and safety are our primary goals. Our members have earned the pride of their Local through hard work, professional attitudes, active interests in bettering their craft, commitment to their fellow workers, and reliability in the face of frequently demanding and challenging job conditions (also known as a "Big Show").
How Can You Join?
Membership to Local 320 is achieved by following our path to membership, which includes a period of time working and learning with us. Talk to our Executive Board for more information.
Benefits of Joining
There are several benefits to becoming a member of our organization. We are workers that take pride in our craft and are united in a similar cause, to promote trade unionism in the live entertainment industry. In addition to Community, we offer:
- Fair wages and decent working conditions. Overtime pay after 8 hours in a day and/or 40 hours per week. Compensation for missed meals, shortened turnarounds, etc.
- Safer working conditions. State and Federal safety laws are enforced at all times. Workers comp protection on all our job sites (something not all our competition carries). Your health and well-being on the job are our priorities.
- Retirement savings plan. When working under our agreements, you will receive employer-paid contributions to the IATSE National Benefits Funds Annuity Plan, at a rate currently 7% above gross earnings.
- Health and Welfare benefits. When working under our agreements, you will receive employer paid contribution to the IATSE National Benefits Fund Health and Welfare (H&W) program. In this program, each referral has their own account that can be used for reimbursing out-of-pocket medical costs and obtaining insurance when eligible.
- Procedures for grievances. A Job Steward, Business Agent and legal counsel are available to respond to serious problems in the workplace.
- Discounts for services. Through the Union Plus program, members can receive discounts for a variety of goods and service, from car rental to health care. Find out more about Union Plus by clicking here.