We are IATSE Local 488 the Studio Mechanics of the Pacific Northwest serving Oregon, Washington, Northern Idaho and Montana.

IATSE is the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada.

IATSE is the union behind entertainment.

Why Join?

The Local's mission is to help protect and extend through our contracts living wages, the benefits of safe working conditions, portable health insurance coverage, and retirement benefits to Members.

As a Member, you receive full representation on our job sites and with our contracted Employers.

You will receive pre-negotiated wage minimums* as well as employer contributions into your health and retirement benefits account with the IA National Benefits Fund for each day worked. Once you reach minimum qualifications to particiapte you will gain access to Medical, Dental, and Vision care as well as the Annuity and Pension Funds. All of these benefits will be fully explained once you become a Member.

*Anyone has the right to negotiate a higher rate with their Employer.

As a Member of Local 488, you become a part of a family of fellow technicians and artisans working in Film, Television, Commercials, New Media, and Theatre.

Your Membership allows you to:

• Seek Union work
• Attend General Membership Meetings & participate in the government of the Local
• Vote in elections
• Run for elected office, and help form policy for the Local.
• Network with other members. 

Members in good standing have access to our:

• Job Hotlines in Seattle and Portland
• Job listings on the website
• Free and/or low-cost Safety and Skills Training courses 

Members' children are eligible to apply for IATSE and Local 488 scholarships, as well as other labor-affiliated scholarships.

For more information on Membership in Local 488 please read through the "How To Join 488" articles.

If you have questions please email Rebecca Cook, Vice President & Membership Committee Chairperson at Membership@iatse488.org 

How To Sign Up For Our Referral List

Aug 224, 2019

IATSE Local 488 welcomes all experienced Motion Picture and Media Professionals who work in our Covered Crafts to sign up for our Referral List. Here are the instructions to be placed on our Referral List for I.A.T.S.E. LOCAL 488, Studio Mechanics of the Pacific Northwest. The Referral List is given out along with our Member Roster to productions looking for crew in  our jurisdiction. Download: 2019 IATSE LOCAL 488 CHECK-OFF AUTHORIZATION FORM Blank.pdf 2021-IATSE NBF-Address-census-card-form.pdf