(VERO BEACH, FLORIDA) - Full-time Stage Technicians at Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, Florida voted to affiliate with International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 500 after participating in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Election.

The eight Crew Members in the Unit - who are responsible for carpentry, lighting, wardrobe, props and audio, voted 6-to-2 in favor of Unionization. 

Riverside Theater is a self-producing venue of theatrical events and hosts one of the largest theatrical campuses in Southern Florida, consisting of three different stages as well as an outdoor concert venue and a black box performance space.

The Union Organizing Drive began in December with Workers collecting Authorization Cards, culminating in an election that was held on April 2nd. 

IATSE International Representative Bo Howard said: “Throughout the Unionization process, the Riverside Crew demonstrated their solidarity and strength by resisting management’s Anti-Union propaganda campaign.  We are proud to welcome this Crew into our growing ranks and stand ready to support them however we can.” 

The next step will be for workers to collectively bargain a contract with theater management to address factors such as benefits, wages, hours and overall working conditions. 

“I’m very excited and hopeful about the Union,” said one Crew Member. “I look forward to bargaining a Union contract that meets our needs as Skilled Craftspeople.” 

This victory comes as Regional Theater Workers throughout the country continue to join IATSE in order to win improved working conditions, comprehensive training, robust safety measures, and benefits.

IATSE represents more than 170,000 Technicians, Artisans And Craftspersons in the Entertainment Industry, including live events, motion picture and television production, broadcast and trade shows in the United States and Canada.

To Directly Access This Organizing Labor News Story, Go To: Riverside Theatre Stage Techs Vote to Unionize  - IATSE