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Does anyone know about backstage workers and unions?


willyemerald

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I'm in early negotiations with an outsourcing company to head a crew to load, unload, set up and take down for major venues and acts. Isn't there a stage worker's union, especially in the NY and Boston areas? Where could I get a copy of guidelines? I can't find anything on the net.

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First of all - good luck!

 

 

If you contact the hall, they'll be able to tell you what the union demands. Don't take anything for granted because it changes from city to city. You may be dealing with multiple unions (teamsters, stagehands, electricians, carpenters etc)

 

If you haven't worked with the hall before, expect to get soaked. Once the union guys figure out you're a newbie, they'll do everything "by the book".

 

Pay very close attention to how things get done in the hall, so the next time around you are that much more prepared.

 

Don't argue with union labor guys. The result will be a slowdown or stoppage of work. If you have a beef, find out who the guy in charge is and speak to him directly. Be polite and be practical.

 

Although the union guys will tell you that they do this or that, don't expect them to know what they're doing or to do it well. Know your own gear and requirements. Label everything. Be as prepared as possible.

 

Anything you have to provide in writing, such as a wiring layout or truck pack order, make that documentation so simple and obvious that a 2nd grader would understand it.

 

Pay attention to what's going on, but don't be too obvious about it. If you don't see a piano getting dropped, nobody is going to tell you about it. If you hover over the piano mover, he'll just stop working.

 

New York - expensive but reasonably competant.

 

Boston - almost as expensive but real mickey mouse in some of the halls.

 

Zip

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