IATSE, Local#8 Organizing Campaign – Local Theaters

As reported on IATSE, LU#8 Facebook page today: “Bristol Riverside Theater NLRB recognition petition filed today by IATSE Local 8. Hearing looks to be on May 21st. Lets <sic> hope management is reasonable and fair in negotiating a fair deal for these stagehands. As always, we appreciate everyone's support and help through social media. Your support keeps the crew and unions drive going. Ty”

The local chapter of IATSE here in Philadelphia is quickly becoming a recognized force and power player in the region.  This is one trade that continues to grow in strength through organizing, while others struggle to maintain membership and hours.  While some would argue that their strength is due to the conditions within the industry, it is my belief that is more about their leadership and their ability to embrace technology within their own organizations.  I have spoken about their strategies and techniques as it relates to organizing campaigns at a national level with much interest from my management side labor relation's professionals.  They have mastered the art of the corporate campaign and defined what a successful social media campaign is in this region and beyond.  How long until others adopt their strategies and techniques and put them to use in construction or against area facility owners?  Are you prepared?  Most everyone is not!

I have witnessed IATSE, LU#8 successfully organizing several local theatres in the area over the last 12 months.  These are recognized theaters like Suzanne Roberts, etc..  These are theaters that have chosen to be represented by their general business attorney or prominent Board members that believe that the practice of labor relations is nothing to be concerned about.  The industry defines that as an “I got this” attitude and I have witnessed it in several industries.  In every case, it results in a failure because, in the end, they really don’t understand what an organizing campaign is and what they can do legally without repercussions or unfair labor practices being filed against them.  Remember, you have a business to run, this is a trade’s business.  In this case, a specialist is always best. 

Many organizations and firms are also choosing to handle their labor relations in house with human resource professionals.  Human resource professionals are an excellent resource for handling the daily functions of HR in-house.  However, using HR assets to manage your labor relations function is often more costly and damaging to an organization.  Many human resource professionals lack the exposure and experience to be successful in labor relations; the coverage of labor relations, labor law and the National Labor Relations Act are minimal at best throughout any of the professional Certifications in the HR field, e.g. PHR, SPHR, GPHR, etc.  There are better options available to you and your organization when it comes to managing your labor relations strategy and function.  Again, In this case, a specialist is always best. 

Don’t leave your organization exposed.  Contact Wayne Gregory of Gregory Management & Consulting Services at info@gregorymcs.com for contracted, customized industry & labor relations support & solutions.  Trust the one person that hundreds of commercial building contractors, professional firms, facility owners & managers and their human resource professionals have trusted here in Philadelphia since 2006.