Who We Are

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, its Territories and Canada is its full name) was founded on July 17,1893.

The Union became International in 1898 when Local 56 (Montreal) and Local 58 (Toronto) were accepted into the Alliance.

IATSE members work in all behind-the-scenes areas in the entertainment industry including film and television production, live theatre, concerts, trade shows, conventions and more. They are sound and lighting people, theatre ushers, bartenders and servers, animators, editors, box office, distribution, construction, housekeeping and the list goes on.

IATSE has a Canadian Department that supports over 20,000 members in 40 locals. Members have access to union education and training opportunities and the department also oversees negotiations and organizing.

IATSE celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2018 which offered us the opportunity to reflect upon the hard work by our Brothers and Sisters from years past and the dedication they brought forth to influence today's members to make union support, organizing, collective bargaining and working conditions so much better for all of our workers.

IATSE B-173

Local B-173 represents over 400 IATSE members with eleven contracts in eleven venues across Toronto and Hamilton including:

• • Canada Cinema Distribution Inc.

    • • Representing Shippers and Receivers

  • FirstOntario Concert Hall

    • • Representing Bartenders, Box Office and Front of House

  • Hot Docs Cinema

    • • Representing Front of House

  • Meridian Arts Centre

    • • Representing Box Office, Concessions, Front of House and Housekeeping

  • Meridian Hall

    • • Representing Box Office, Concessions and Front of House

  • The National Ballet of Canada

    • • Representing Box Office and Receptionists

  • Princess of Wales Theatre

    • • Representing Box Office and Front of House

  • Royal Alexandra Theatre

    • • Representing Box Office and Front of House

  • St. Lawrence Centre

    • • Representing Box Office, Concessions and Front of House

  • TIFF Bell Lightbox

    • • Representing Box Office, Concessions and Front of House

  • Young Centre for the Performing Arts

    • • Representing Box Office, Concessions and Front of House

For an historical look at IATSE, please enjoy the short film, below.