251 quick FAQ – IATSE Local 251

What is IATSE 251?

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (https://iatse.net) works in all forms of live theater, motion picture and television production, trade shows and exhibitions, television broadcasting, and concerts as well as the equipment and construction shops that support all these areas of the entertainment industry. IATSE local 251 Operates a hiring hall that facilitates filling employers requirements within these Entertainment categories. We are not an employer.

What is a Hiring Hall?

A Union Hiring Hall sends workers under a collective bargaining agreement. We cover everyone on our lists who are working under our contract. Everyone (Member or not) is given the same protections, wages and conditions under the contract.

What are the Hiring Hall Fees?

Everyone working under the Hiring Hall pays 5.5% to the Hiring Hall. Most of the employers take the 5.5% out before they issue the checks. The City of Madison is not allowed to do so because of Act 10. If you work for the City of Madison, you will be sent an invoice regarding fees owed. Please pay them promptly. These are not dues; only Union members pay dues. Both members and non-members pay fees.

How can I become a member?

You need to work with us for 400 hours and you need to have lived in our jurisdiction for 18 months. After that there is an application process, which the Secretary will be happy to go over with anyone who is close to getting their hours in. The Local currently only deals with applications twice a year, March and September. For more information you can contact secretary@iatse251.com OR info@iatse251.com.

How does the Call system work?

Notifications will be sent out (either as an email or text message) and you will be given either 4 or 8 hours to confirm the call.

You need to go to callsteward.com to confirm/pass/decline the calls assigned to you.

- - Confirm means you accept the call.
  - Pass means you do not accept this call, but are available to work if something else comes up.
  - decline says you aren't available at all.

When does the Callsteward send out calls?

Between 8am-9pm.

How do I cancel a call?

You must contact the CallSteward. There are fines for "no call/no shows". $100 for the first offense in a calendar year, and $300 for each additional offense.

How can I get more work?

It depends on how much work we have to offer, what skills you already possess along with whether you are willing to travel. You may contact our Call Steward (callsteward@iatse251.com) to discuss further options.

What if I'm having an issue on a call/ job site?

If you have any issues, with anything, or problems on a work site you speak to your department head first, then your steward second. If your steward is unable to help you, contact the Business Agent, (Currently) David Gersbach at ba@iatse251.com. If there is an issue with management, you are allowed Union Representation (whether you are a member or not). Under the Weingarten Rights (found here) any employee working under a Union contract is allowed
Union Representation in meetings with management.

Please do not speak to management directly; speak with your BA, steward or department head first.

Please Note!

The entire Executive Committee and the Callsteward are full-time working stagehands and several also have other jobs.

If you need to speak with aynone on the Board, or the Callsteward, please wait until the breaks to do so. Email is always the best way to reach out:

- callsteward@iatse251.com
- BusinessAgent@iatse251.com
- Info@iatse251.com