IATSE, AFTRA Seek Closer Strategic Alliance

Presidents of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists on have announced the creation of committees to explore opportunities for cooperative efforts and a closer strategic alliance between the two unions.

President Thomas C. Short of the IATSE, said in a July 27 joint statement, "A closer relationship between the IA and AFTRA will work to ensure that all our members across all of our disciplines speak with one strong voice in the entertainment workplace. There are so many areas where we can work together. We are looking forward to exploring them with strategies that can bring us positive results."

Both unions are members of the Department for Professional Employees of the AFL-CIO, and were leaders in the development of the Arts, Entertainment and Media Industry Coordinating Committee of the Federation.

Fields of work covered by both IATSE and AFTRA include television news, sports and entertainment programming, music video and television commercial production, basic cable programming, internet, and new media, among others.

IA President Short and AFTRA President Reardon are due to begin discussions on the specific components of this alliance in the near future.

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