Local union inks deal with Delaware County theater for higher wages, overtime

The International Alliance of Theatrical & Stage Employees, or IATSE, Local 8 has reached a tentative labor agreement with the 451-seat Media Theatre in Delaware County, giving its union members higher pay, overtime and other benefits.

As part of the negotiating process, the local union agreed to use the language and economics from other regional theaters — like the Philadelphia Theatre Co. and the Bristol Riverside Theatre — as a template.

Under the agreement, Stagehands will now be paid $20 an hour and a contribution to the union's health and welfare plan, said Michael Barnes, Stagehands Local 8 business manager.

The union members will now be paid at an hourly rate with overtime. Prior to the agreement, union members were paid either a straight-time hourly rate with no overtime or a flat rate for all work performed, Barnes said.

There is also now holiday pay and time-and-a-half for hours worked during a performance, similar to large commercial venues, Barnes said.

The Media Theatre did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

"The negotiations were very progressive," Barnes said. "The employer was very fair, and we appreciate the approach that was taken to resolve the contract."

Barnes also said: "We think we're going to bring some additional training and expertise as a result of this agreement that will enhance the Media Theatre's ability to do bigger and better shows."

The agreement marks the third regional theater organized in IATSE Local 8's jurisdiction since 2013, according to the union, the first two being the Philadelphia Theatre Co. and the Bristol Riverside Theatre.

The Media Theatre's agreement is "the best of the three agreements," said Barnes, who said the union will be in negotiations with The Philadelphia Theatre Co. for its contract.

The Stagehands in September reached a five-year deal with Live Nation for three of its local entertainment facilities: the Tower Theater in Upper Darby, Pa., the TLA in South Philadelphia and the Fillmore Philadelphia in Fishtown. The deals also increased wages and established benefits.

Source: Philadelphia Business Journal