GOING TO WORK: HOURS & BREAKS

IATSE Local 822 provides skilled labour for a diverse range of shows. In general, shows can be divided as follows:

The skills and techniques used in these distinct types of shows are similar, but the atmosphere and level of decorum needed might be quite different. As a professional, you should be mindful and always be on your best behaviour.

HOURS OF WORK

Each venue has a separate specific contract. These are general guidelines.

1) There is a minimum call for work and another minimum call for performances. A specific amount of time is allowed either immediately before or after a performance call. Calls are usually 4 or 5 hours.

2) There should be a meal break of at least 1 hour after no more than 5 hours of work. Usually, if less than an hour is given, you will be paid for that time plus 1 extra hour if no food is provided.

3) Set calls will not be split (i.e., the day work before the matinee and between shows on the same day). A set amount of time for day work is allowed before the 1/2 hour call or after the show. Anything in excess becomes a new call.

4) When doing day work, rehearsals, or previews, if a break of 2 hours or more occurs, work resumes on a new call.

5) Performance calls are usually 3.5 hours in duration, from a 1/2 hour before the start of the show to the final curtain. Any added time after the set grace period is to be paid at the applicable hourly rate.

6) A grace period may be allowed before extra time is charged. The grace period begins after the curtain comes down before or by the 3 and 1 quarter hour. This grace period is for the purpose hanging of clothes or collecting laundry. If more time than this is needed, it will be paid hourly at the applicable rate.

7) A take-in is usually an 8-hour call and a pack-out is usually a 4-hour call when not required for dressing the show.

8) When being paid the “pack-out while dressing” rate, the time allowed after the final curtain is usually a 1/2 hour. Additional time is to be paid at the applicable hourly rate.

9) A period of 15 minutes is usually considered a full hour.

10) After 2 hours of work, a break of 15 minutes is usually allowed, excluding performance work.

11) For wardrobe personnel on a weekly salary, Sunday may not be considered part of the week and 4 days or more should constitute one week. Less than 4 days is usually paid hourly.

TELEVISION & FILM

1) Filming is sometimes allowed without charge only for news purposes, providing each segment does not exceed 2 minutes of broadcast time.

2) Actual filming of a production is to be paid at the applicable rates, unless previous arrangements have been made.

3) No filming of IATSE personnel is allowed without permission.

BREAKS

Lunch and dinner breaks are normally 1 hour, after a work period of 4 hours but no more than 5 hours. A coffee break is typically 15 minutes within a 4 or 5-hour work period.

In the case of a catered meal, the break will normally be a 30-minute paid meal break. Never assume meals, coffee, or snacks for breaks are provided. You may see coffee and donuts put out. The Department Head will inform you if the food and drinks are for you. Don’t touch the food if it is not for us.

If a concern arises with the provided meal, find the Department Head, Crew Chief, or Union Steward and allow them to resolve the situation. Do not air your concern publicly!

Following any break, you are expected to be ready to work at the scheduled time.

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