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IATSE Local 16

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Stagehand / AV Tech - Event Technology Specialist IATSE Local 16 Employee Review

4.0
Feb 9, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

One of the best, most progressive stagehands union in the country. Much more of a "let's get this done, have a smooth show, make people happy, and go home" attitude than a "it's us against them (the clients)" old-school bitter union attitude as I've sometimes experienced in other major midwest and east coast cities in the past. Obviously, this is a generalization, not an everyday occurrence, A majority of members have at least a decent combination of good attributes - work ethic, intelligence/education, skills, good attitude. It's a diverse group of personalities.

Cons

Most of your calls for work will be the day before (or 2-3 days tops) before the gig. Often those calls can come late in the day (even up to 7pm or so when it's really busy). This makes it really difficult to plan things for the next day (or the next week), especially during the busy seasons (spring and fall). You WILL have to cancel other plans sometimes, if not fairly often. Also, in this industry in general, your out time is often a guess, and is always subject to changing (sometimes by several hours).

Explore other reviews about IATSE Local 16

5.0
Jan 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good pay when you can get work, good people to work with. Variety of interesting venues.

Cons

Work is random, you usually aren't given the contact info of your stewards so it can be hard to find the work location sometimes.

1.0
Nov 18, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

money and a few decent folks. Note, ONLY a few. more nasty than kind.

Cons

awful nepotism in every area. Women only get graphics position on show calls and those women are wives, girlfriends, cousins.....99% white men on all show calls. It makes you ill. they force anyone who isn't their wife, daughter, cousin into labor only. the body can only do that so long. Have an education? AVOID. it will kill you to have your intellect ignored b/c nepotism. Also the DEI group does nothing and is fake.

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