TORONTO, ON – On February 13, the Assistant Booth Managers at the TIFF Bell Lightbox voted for representation by IATSE Local 58. The group had approached Local 58 six months ago and after a number of discussions, the Local filed for certification with the Ontario Labour Relations Board on February 6. The local already represents projectionists at the venue.

The 5-storey TIFF Bell Lightbox Theatre, built as a permanent home for the Toronto International Film Festival, was opened in 2010 and serves as a meeting place for film professionals, educators and film lovers. It features a three-storey public atrium, 5 public cinemas, 2 galleries, 3 learning studios, a centre for students and scholars, a bistro, a restaurant, and a lounge.

The successful vote occurred on a day that the IATSE was already in high spirits. IATSE Local B-173 had just concluded its negotiations with the venue for front-of-house positions including ushers, concessions staff, and facilities attendants. This was the first agreement for the facilities attendants, who are pleased to have secured benefits for the first time, while the ushers and concessions staff will see the wages from their contract ending December 31, 2017 increased by as much as 28.2% by the expiration of the four-year agreement.

Two IATSE success stories in one day. The Assistant Booth Managers are looking forward to sitting down with Local 58 to map out their priorities before heading into negotiations with the TIFF Bell Lightbox for their own first agreement.