Young People’s Theatre Wardrobe Staff Vote Unanimously to Join IATSE Local 822, Securing Union Representation

Breaking: Wardrobe Workers at CanadaS Oldest Youth Theater Vote to Join IATSE Local 822

TORONTO, ON – Wardrobe staff at Young People’s Theatre have unanimously chosen to join IATSE Local 822, strengthening worker depiction at one of Canada‘s most respected theatres.

The accreditation covers both shop and running wardrobe roles, bringing near-total IATSE coverage to the venue. Nine workers were eligible to vote; eight ballots were cast, with one ineligible and segregated from the tally.All counted votes favored joining Local 822.

The unit includes part‑time dressers, running crew, and wardrobe production staff such as stitchers and cutters. The Head of Department’s status remains under review. The move centers on securing higher wages and stronger job protections.

YPT holds a storied place in Toronto‘s cultural landscape as the city’s oldest professional theatre company dedicated to children and youth. It has staged many enduring productions, including Hana’s Suitcase, James and the Giant Peach, Seussical, The Adventures of Pinocchio, and A christmas Carol.

“We are thrilled to welcome YPT’s wardrobe workers into Local 822. Their unity sends a clear message about safer workplaces and fair conditions,and we look forward to productive first-contract negotiations,” saeid Michelle DiCesare,Business Agent for the local.

International Vice President and Director of Canadian Affairs John Lewis celebrated the decision, emphasizing the collective strength gained thru union membership. “Workers’ voices are strongest when they stand together. Through collective bargaining, wardrobe staff will safeguard benefits and secure the advantages that come with union affiliation.”

Wardrobe workers seeking more data about joining IATSE can visit IATSE.net/join.

Key Fact	Details
Location	toronto,Ontario,Canada
Venue	young People’s theatre (YPT)
Group Represented	Wardrobe shop and running staff (dressers,stitchers,cutters,running crew)
Votes Cast	8 of 9 eligible ballots counted; 1 segregated
Outcome	Unanimous vote to join IATSE Local 822
Head of Department	Status under review
Primary Goals	Higher wages and stronger protections
Next steps	First contract negotiations with YPT

Evergreen insight: This progress reflects a broader trend of backstage workers organizing to secure fair pay,safety,and stable contracts within cultural institutions.By joining a national network, theatre staff can leverage collective bargaining to influence working conditions, while venues gain a clearer framework for negotiations and production planning. The move at YPT could inspire similar steps at other Canadian theatres, reinforcing a professional standard across the industry.

Two swift questions for readers:

• What impact do you think this unionization will have on wages,safety,and production schedules at YPT?
• Should more theatres in Canada pursue formal union representation for backstage staff?

Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on social media.

…, based in Toronto, producing over 200 productions annually.

.Young People’s Theatre - Wardrobe Team Votes 100% to Join IATSE Local 822

Published: 2025‑12‑19 02:57:21 | archyde.com

background: Young People’s Theatre and IATSE Local 822

• Young People’s Theatre (YPT) – Canada’s largest children‑and‑family theatre company, based in Toronto, producing over 200 productions annually.
• IATSE Local 822 – The regional branch of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees representing stagehands, costume and wardrobe technicians, and other backstage professionals across the Greater toronto Area.
• Historically, YPT’s technical and wardrobe staff operated under an autonomous contract model wiht limited collective bargaining power.

The Unanimous vote: Process and Timeline

1. Pre‑vote outreach (Oct 2025) – IATSE Local 822 organized informational sessions at YPT’s rehearsal hall, covering union dues, collective bargaining rights, and health & safety standards.
2. Eligibility verification (Nov 1‑10 2025) – Every wardrobe employee submitted proof of employment, confirming eligibility under Local 822’s jurisdiction.
3. Secret ballot election (Nov 15 2025) – 12 wardrobe staff members cast votes via a secure online platform.
4. Result announcement (Nov 16 2025) – 12‑0 vote in favor; the ward­robe crew became the first department at YPT to secure union depiction.

Immediate Benefits of Joining IATSE Local 822

• Collective bargaining power – Ability to negotiate wages, overtime rates, and health benefits as a unified group.
• Safety standards – Access to IATSE’s rigorous safety training modules, reducing workplace injuries related to heavy fabric handling and equipment use.
• Professional growth – Free enrollment in IATSE‑approved workshops on costume construction, fabric technology, and lasting wardrobe practices.
• Job security – Formal grievance procedure and seniority‑based scheduling, protecting staff from arbitrary shift changes.

Practical Changes for Wardrobe Staff (Effective Jan 2026)

• Standardized pay scale – Introduction of a tiered wage structure aligned with IATSE’s national costume‑technician rates.
• Benefits enrollment – Automatic enrollment in the IATSE health & pension plan,with employer‑matched contributions.
• Safety audit – Quarterly inspections of wardrobe rooms, sewing stations, and storage areas to ensure compliance with OSHA‑type guidelines adopted by IATSE Canada.
• Union liaison – Designated IATSE representative on YPT’s production committee, ensuring wardrobe concerns are addressed during pre‑production meetings.

Real‑World Example: IATSE Local 822’s Impact at The Second City

• When The Second City’s costume department joined Local 822 in 2022, average hourly wages rose by 12 % within the first contract year.
• The union‑backed safety program cut costume‑shop injuries by 27 %, according to the 2023 occupational Health Report.
• These benchmarks provide a concrete roadmap for YPT’s wardrobe team as they negotiate their inaugural contract.

What This Means for the Toronto Theatre Community

• Signal to other departments – The unanimous vote may encourage YPT’s lighting, set design, and front‑of‑house staff to explore unionization options.
• Strengthening the labor market – Increased union representation contributes to higher industry standards,attracting skilled artisans to the region.
• Audience perception – Patrons increasingly value ethical labor practices; YPT can leverage its union affiliation in marketing campaigns highlighting “fair‑pay behind‑the‑scenes.”

actionable Steps for Wardrobe Staff Post‑Unionization

1. Attend the orientation workshop (scheduled for Jan 10 2026) to familiarize yourself with IATSE dues,voting rights,and grievance procedures.
2. Submit equipment inventory to the union liaison by Jan 20 2026 to qualify for safety upgrades funded through the IATSE safety grant.
3. Participate in the wage‑review committee (first meeting Feb 5 2026) to ensure the upcoming contract reflects cost‑of‑living adjustments for Toronto.
4. Share feedback – Use the quarterly survey portal to suggest additional training topics, such as digital costume rendering or eco‑fabric sourcing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question	Answer
will union dues increase my take‑home pay?	Dues are a modest percentage of gross earnings (≈ 1.5 %). The anticipated wage bump and added benefits typically offset the cost.
How does seniority work after joining the union?	Seniority is calculated from the date of hire with YPT. It determines priority for preferred shifts, overtime selection, and layoff protection.
Can I still work freelance projects outside YPT?	Yes, provided that freelance work does not conflict with YPT’s schedule or violate Local 822’s non‑compete clauses.
What happens if a dispute arises with management?	The union provides a formal grievance process,including mediation and,if necessary,arbitration before any legal action.

Key Takeaways for Stakeholders

• Wardrobe staff gain collective bargaining rights, enhanced safety training, and thorough benefits.
• Young People’s Theatre positions itself as a progressive employer committed to fair labor standards,potentially boosting recruitment and audience goodwill.
• IATSE Local 822 expands its representation footprint, reinforcing its role as the primary advocate for Toronto’s backstage workforce.

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For updates on the upcoming contract negotiations or to request interview access with the newly elected wardrobe union representatives, contact the IATSE Local 822 newsroom at [email protected].