INTRODUCTION TO PERMIT WORKER STATUS
IATSE Local 822 would like to give you the opportunity to obtain work in the jurisdiction of Toronto’s theatrical wardrobe, hair, and make-up industry. You will be a Permit Worker, afforded many of the entitlements of a full member, but not all. Permit Workers with IATSE Local 822 are not yet full members. A Permittee is an occasional worker and will be called on only when all our members are working. Union membership is not required to work as a Permittee. Your application to be a Permit Worker is not an application for membership. When you apply to be put on the Permit Worker list, please indicate in which craft you are skilled: Wardrobe, Hair, or Make-Up.
Jobs may be offered to you through the Local work referral system. This will be based on the Permit Worker’s skill sets, availability, reliability, and attitude as determined by the Local at its sole discretion. The Local retains the right to make any final determinations as to all work that may be offered through the Local’s work referral system. There is no seniority system for Permit Workers.
Any work offered to a Permit Worker will be of a temporary nature and any acceptance of such work does not create an entitlement to any ongoing work. There is no obligation for the Local to provide future work to a Permit Worker as a non-member of the Local.
Permit Workers are expected to follow the directions of any Employer who may employ the Permit Worker and perform all work as expected. In the event any workplace issues arise, the workplace Union Steward and/or the Officers of Local 822 are available to the Permit Worker and are expecting you to seek advice from them promptly.
IATSE Local 822 retains the right to grant an individual status as a Permit Worker at its sole discretion. If status is granted it also may be terminated and/or revoked by the Local at its sole discretion for any reason with no right of appeal.
Permit Workers are expected to continue to develop their skills and knowledge.
PERMIT WORKER BENEFITS
Permit Workers shall be governed by the same terms and conditions of the Local’s Collective Agreements as well as the policies and procedures of the Local that are applicable to Permit Workers.
WORKERS COMPENSATION
You will be covered by the employer’s workers compensation
EI & CPP CONTRIBUTIONS
The employers pay your EI and CPP contributions through payroll deductions
VACATION PAY
You receive vacation pay, of approximately 10%
BASIC EXPECTATIONS OF PERMIT WORKERS
Check in with the Department Head as soon as you arrive on the job site. At the end of the day, wait to be dismissed by your Department Head. You are expected to be at the work site at least 10 minutes before the actual call time. This is to give you time to take off your coat, stow your gear, visit the restroom, etc. The call time is when you should be ready to start working, not the time you should be strolling in the door.
Being late is simply not acceptable. Period.
In case of an emergency that will prevent you from working (calling in sick) or will make you late for work, you must contact the Call Steward or Business Agent by 9am for a matinee or noon for an evening show. If neither is available, call the Department Head (at the venue). If there is no answer, leave a voice message for the Business Agent with the details of the situation.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
Any person applying for membership in the Local must be employed in the theatrical industry within the jurisdiction of the Local or must be capable of obtaining such employment and have sufficient experience. Any person may submit a written request for membership after having been placed by this Local and having worked for not less than ninety (90) days within the craft to which they are applying. There shall be no discrimination against any person in respect to membership in this Local by reason of race, colour, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or age.
EXAMINATION OF APPLICANTS
Every applicant must submit a resume to be passed on to the Membership Screening Committee; this should especially document the days worked with the Local. Upon completion of the screening process, the applicant shall be required to pass a test for evaluation of skill and knowledge prescribed by a Board of Examiners appointed for that purpose. Those applicants whose skill and experience are without question may not be required to test. The approval of the Board of Examiners is essential before further action is taken.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Should I keep a logbook of my work activity?
Yes, for many reasons. It helps verify that you are paid for the hours you worked and keeps track of your days worked towards membership.
What is the best path for me to achieve membership with the Local?
The fastest path to success within the industry is to be the skilled individual that everyone wants to have working with them or for them. This means always being on time, having a great positive attitude, cultivating a strong work ethic, having great skills and constantly upgrading them while helping others do the same. Treat your skills as a craft. Take pride in the quality of your work. Be a safe worker. All these things will bring you to the attention of the Business Agent and Executive Board quickly.
May I attend membership meetings of the Local?
Only full members or retired members are invited to attend membership meetings.
How do I get into the workplace to report to work?
We normally enter the venue by the Stage Door. Ask the Business Agent or Call Steward for the location of the stage door if unsure. The stage door or security person will have a call list to verify that you are entitled to enter.
What happens if there are issues on the job?
Issues that arise on the job are to be first discussed with the Department Head, then the Union Steward. If that fails, then contact the Business Agent. Never discuss Union or personal issues with the client.
Is it okay to ask for a performer’s picture and or autograph?
No. We are professionals, not groupies. This includes guitar picks, set lists, and other memorabilia. These items are not ours to take or give out to.
Where is a good place to park? Is there a parking area for the crew?
Parking is almost never provided.
May I bring my bicycle into the venue for storage?
No. Please lock it up outside the venue in a designated location.
Is it possible to get free tickets for the shows?
No. Don’t even ask!
May I come and see the shows backstage or in the audience for free if I’m not working?
No.
May I invite my family or friends to show them around backstage?
No.
May I take pictures backstage?
No, pictures backstage are not allowed at any time.
Can I try on the costumes?
At no time are the costumes or wigs to be tried on.