(WILMINGTON, DELAWARE) – In a significant victory for Wilmington’s Arts and Entertainment Community, 18 Production Workers at The Grand Opera House have voted to Unionize with International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 8.

The group includes Stagehands, Wardrobe Staff, Audio and Video Technicians, Electricians, Carpenters and Properties Personnel - all of whom play a crucial role in delivering live performances at the historic venue.

The Grand Opera House, also known as The Grand or Masonic Hall and Grand Theater, has been a cornerstone of Wilmington’s vibrant cultural scene since 1871.

With its 1,208-seat theater, it serves as home to the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Opera Delaware and First State Ballet Theatre, while also hosting a wide range of world-class performances including jazz, comedy, rock, ballet and family programming.

The Workers filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in April, just days after management declined to voluntarily recognize the Union.

Despite facing a series of Anti-Union tactics - including emotional appeals meant to dissuade the Workers from exercising their Union Rights, the group remained united.

Their determination culminated in a successful NLRB election held in late May.

“Union representation opens doors for us all and means more stability in our jobs, a chance to expand our skills and leverage in our workplace,” said John Mones, who is he Head Carpenter at The Grand. “I’m looking forward to more opportunities, meeting new people in our industry and a better quality of life.”

This victory at The Grand Opera House marks a growing trend in Unionization across the Live Performance Industry, as Workers continue to stand up for fair treatment, professional respect, and sustainable careers in the arts, Union Officials said.

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 Report In Its Entirety, Go To: Production Workers at Wilmington’s Grand Opera House Unionize with IATSE Local 8 - IATSE