IATSE Local 478
Motion Picture Studio Mechanics of Louisiana, Southern Mississippi & Mobile, AL

Business Agent

Based out of New Orleans, LA

 

Applications will be reviewed beginning December 11th.

About Us: I.A.T.S.E. Local 478 is a labor union representing workers in the film industry in Louisiana, Southern Mississippi, and Mobile, Alabama. We have approximately 1900 members throughout this jurisdiction. The Local is dedicated to the principles of trade unionism. Our objectives are to unite all workers within its jurisdiction for the following purposes:

• To improve their wages and hours of work, to increase their job security, and to better their working conditions.
• To advance their economic, social, and cultural interests
• To establish peaceful and harmonious relations between its members and their employers, and to increase the stability of the industry.
• To ensure full employment.
• To promote and support democracy and free trade unionism.
• To engage in other such activities as may be necessary or proper to strengthen the labor movement and to extend the process of collective bargaining throughout all trades and industries.

This Local shall endeavor to accomplish the foregoing purposes by organizing the unorganized, educating its membership, negotiating collective bargaining agreements with employers, securing progressive legislation, and by all other appropriate means within the International.

Compensation: $120,000 – $150,000 annually. Commensurate with experience - personal factors that will be evaluated can be demonstrated by hard and soft skills, history in the sector or industry, working knowledge of the film industry and unions, experience working on political/legislative issues, education, and relevant work experience.

To Apply:
Please email cover letter and resume to: jobs@iatse478.org.

General Job Duties:

• To be the business representative and general manager for the Local
• Enforce the Constitution and Bylaws of IATSE Local 478 and the International
• The Business Representative shall attend all membership and Executive Board meetings and report on their activities on behalf of the employment situations encountered between the Local’s members and their employers in dealing with the contracts.
• Represent the membership of Local 478 in person at conventions, International General Executive Board meetings, contract bargaining sessions, and organizing drives. Advocate for the members and the Local in conversations with employers, in conversations with politicians and legislators, and when dealing with Local 478 members and members of other Locals/unions.
• Administer applicable contracts to the shows in the Local’s jurisdiction. This includes educating them about the contracts and enforcing the contracts with employers, members, members of other Locals, and non-union crew.
• Communicate with employers and staff of the union productions that film in our jurisdiction from the beginning and throughout the production. Provide productions with a list of potential members for employment. Before principal photography, lead a meet and greet session with the employer following the Local’s meet and greet format.
• Work and collaborate with the Assistant Business Agent(s). Including keeping track of the productions and maintaining the workload.
• Lead the Audit Team throughout the auditing process and communicate with productions while the Local is getting documentation as prescribed by the contracts, the Local, and the International.
• Work with Local 478’s attorneys to file any grievances Local 478 must bring against employers. Manage and follow the grievance process.
• Work with the Officers, the Assistant Business Agent(s), and 478 staff to communicate resources, assess situations, and to resolve conflicts through investigating allegations and recommending appropriate responses and intervention in accordance with labor laws and existing contracts.
• Manage the office staff in coordination and cooperation with the Secretary/Treasurer, the President, and the Executive Board. This includes handling staff issues and conducting yearly performance reviews.
• Be available for members to discuss issues and educate them on union-related issues.
• Manage organizing within the Local’s jurisdiction and work with the International and other Locals to organize the unorganized.
• Perform on-location site visits. Locations may include adverse conditions in remote rural locations such as swamps and buildings that may not be ADA compliant.
• Adhere to IATSE and Local 478’s missions and policies, including the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement.
• Maintain relationships with political, labor, and community leaders for pro-union and pro-film support.
• Any additional duties that may arise as part of the Business Agent position.

Skills/Competencies:

• Experience as a union leader.
• Proficient in contract administration and labor law.
• Working knowledge of unions.
• Be accessible outside of normal working hours when time-sensitive issues need attention.
• Travel required often.
• Outstanding emotional intelligence - possesses interpersonal skills and the ability to mitigate tense situations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Management skills with diligence.
• Must be able to support important levels of confidentiality.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Preferred working knowledge of (and preferably experience with) the political and legislative system.
• Preferred working knowledge of incentive programs in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Mobile, AL.
• Preferred Education – bachelor’s degree.