By Brigitta Romanov: Executive Director CDG 892 and Adam Nestra-West: Business Representative 705 In the fast-paced world of production, it is standard to look for
We recognize that a nonunion shop may be subcontracted to
rely on workrooms or sources that are familiar to us. When we are
extremely important to use union labor to support fellow IATSE
the most convenient options to make costumes come to life. We creating costumes, so many options and avenues are available to
bring our vision into reality. Signatory shops are often overlooked because often we are unfamiliar with what they have to offer. But it is important to our union and members that we become familiar with these shops.
It is crucial for members of Local 892 and Local 705 to support and utilize union labor to do the work. We should
prioritize the use of union signatory costume houses and workrooms. As leaders and heads of
departments, we should also prioritize hiring union
members directly on productions. This is one way to strengthen our locals and protect the hardfought benefits and wages that we all enjoy.
Using a nonunion dry cleaner for alterations
or tech dying are violations of the Local 705 contract. Using nonunion shops to custom-
make costumes can result in a grievance
being filed against the production, which
can result in a reprimand to the department head by the production.
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THE COSTUME DESIGNER | FALL 2024
do some work under parameters within the agreement, but it is members and additionally to support our health and pension plans. Looking for uniforms to rent? Union signatory costume houses such as Western and CRC have excellent uniform options. Need an
item custom-made? Local 705 custom-made costumers specialize in the impossible. There are also three union specialty houses
now, which employ union workers with the skills that rival the best in the industry. We ask that you take the time to investigate
whether a union signatory costume house might have what you need or that a union custom-made shop can create a costume for you. If unfamiliar with a union signatory costume house, send
them something small to gauge their work so that in the future you can have them build your costumes with confidence.
Remember, hiring members directly and engaging union
signatories benefits the production, the union, and you. It helps ensure a strong health and pension plan. Take the time to understand the importance of union labor and learn which shops
can provide what you need without weakening union benefits for our crafts. By supporting and protecting these covered
classifications, you are promoting a strong future for all of us in our community.