RISE UP FOR MOVIE, TV AND TRADESHOW WORKERS

by David Holm, Director, Movie and Tradeshow Division

As the 2022 calendar year winds down as I write these lines, the production levels have also decreased to historical levels for the holiday season. We expect that production will once again ramp up in the new year. Local Union 155 continued to grow with its membership now approaching 2,300 members and over 1,500 permittees in all eight divisions.

In Alberta

Local Union 362 in Alberta has also experienced significant growth with approximately 500 members in their Film and Television Division. The local union is on track to have their biggest film and television year to date.

In British Columbia

This summer, Local Union 155, as part of the BC Council of Film Unions, was finally able to ratify our Master Collective Agreement with the producer groups. Some of the highlights of the contract include 3% annual increases, improved discharge language, and payments/ equipment fees. The new agreement expires March 31, 2024.

The local union continues to promote education for its members, having brought some courses in house and offering reimbursement to all members for a vast number of industry-related courses. We have been fortunate and thankful to have many of the staff continue their education through courses offered by the IBT Teamster leadership Academy.

The principal officer and business agent of Local Union 155 recently took part in a Motion Picture Production Industry Association Marketing Trip in Los Angeles, meeting with our producer counterparts. Discussions involving the state of the industry and future prospects proved to be encouraging for our members going into 2023. Despite increasing worldwide competition for entertainment production, the BC industry is proving to be resilient with the full support of our industry partners and the provincial government.

British Columbia sees continuing development in infrastructure, including over 1 million square feet of new studio space being developed in the next 3-5 years. This will translate into an increased need for labour, including attracting Class 1 drivers. We are working with industry partners in trying to assist with the costs associated with MELT training (mandatory entry-level training). Coupled with industry and government initiatives involving diversity and inclusion, the outlook for film and television production is very positive.

The Movie and Trade Show Division is thankful for the ongoing support and assistance from Teamsters Canada, Joint Council 36, Local Union 155, Local Union 362, and all our fellow Teamsters.