I.A.T.S.E. is the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada.

***IATSE Local 488 has a temporary freeze on new Memberships until October 8, 2023 due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGAE/WGAW strikes***

We are IATSE Local 488, Studio Mechanics of the Pacific Northwest - our jurisdiction covers Oregon, Washington, Northern Idaho, and Montana.

IATSE is the Union behind entertainment.

Why Join?

This Local is dedicated to the principles of trade unionism. Its objects 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 assure full employment. 
• To promote and support democracy and free trade unionism. 
• To engage in such other 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.

As a Member, you receive full representation on our job sites and with our signatory 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 participate, 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 shape 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 other articles on this page.

***IATSE Local 488 has a temporary freeze on new Memberships until October 8, 2023 due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGAE/WGAW strikes***

If you have questions, please email Rebecca Cook, Vice President & Membership Committee Chairperson at Membership@IATSE488.org 

The 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. Download: 2019 IATSE LOCAL 488 CHECK-OFF AUTHORIZATION FORM Blank.pdf 2021-IATSE NBF-Address-census-card-form.pdf