Los Angeles Opera’s costume shop staff, represented by IATSE Local 768, voted unanimously to extend a three-year contract — their first with the opera. Last September, they handed out leaflets at the opera’s opening gala to raise public awareness of their demands for a fair contract.
Most of her colleagues – the opera’s stagehands, preppers, treasurers and ticket sellers, musicians, performers, stage managers and hair and make-up artists – have long worked under union contracts. However, it took until now for the workers in the costume shops, who are mostly women, people of color or LGBTQ, to gain union protection.
“Prior to the formation of their union, a large majority of workers were unable to save money for emergencies or plan for the future,” said IATSE representative Allison Smartt. “The contract’s higher wages, benefits and job security allow these great craftsmen to pursue careers that support their families; and with their union they have more choices in their working life.
According to the union, the new contract offers wage increases of between 30% and 52%, depending on job classification; retroactive wage increases from 1 July last year; a 3% increase in pension contributions; a 40-hour workweek guarantee for all full-time employees; a 10 hour rest period and for the first time health care bonuses, holiday pay and pension bonuses for transferred workers.
Writer: David Robb
Source: Deadline
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
