THUNDER BAY — Stagehands at Magnus Theatre, the only professional theatre in Northwestern Ontario, could be joining the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
The union applied to the Ontario Labour Relations Board to represent the workers and negotiate their first-ever collective agreement.
The labour relations board ruled that employees eligible to vote on whether the union should be certified as the bargaining agent include all stagehands engaged in carpentry, lighting, sound, properties, scenic paint, hair, make-up and wardrobe work, except for the stage manager, individuals above the rank of stage manager, and anyone covered by an existing collective agreement.
The results of a vote conducted last month are expected to be disclosed on Dec. 18.
Cindy Jennings, an international representative of the union's Canadian branch, said there would be at least six or seven people in the proposed bargaining unit.
Jennings declined to speak specifically about workplace conditions at the local theatre, saying "that would be a matter for collective bargaining," but said the union is "not overly aggressive" in seeking to increase its membership.
"We tend to be reactionary. Workers come to us. We don't necessarily pursue them."
Alexis Rowlinson, executive director at Magnus, said in a brief statement Wednesday that as a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres, it has already established relationships with multiple trade unions and associations in the regular course of running a professional theatre.
"Through the upcoming collective bargaining process with IATSE...we are committed to establishing a fair agreement to continue to promote professional theatre in the region and support arts workers," she said.
Performances of Two Indians by Falen Johnson are scheduled for Jan. 25 to Feb. 10, 2024.
