Frequently Asked Questions

What work is represented by IATSE Theatrical Wardrobe Union #887?
TWU #887 represents workers (This means that workers have voted to give TWU #887 the right to bargain for their wages and working conditions.) in costume shops and backstage wardrobe crews in Seattle, Bellingham, Issaquah, and Tacoma. These include:
ACT, 5th Ave Theatre, Intiman, Mt. Baker, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Opera, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Paramount, Moore, Village Theatre, as well as work performed at McCaw Hall, Benaroya Hall, Meany Hall and Key Arena when requested.

What is IATSE?
IATSE (International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees) is the international union that we are affiliated with. They represent workers in the theatre, film and TV industries, among others. In our area, in addition to TWU #887, local #15 represents stagehands, and local #488 represents film work as well as theatrical hair and makeup.

Do I need to be a member of the Union to work at venues represented by TWU #887?
No, but we do require that everyone register with us by filling out a Roster Information form and signing a Worker Agreement before starting work. Once on our Roster members and non-members are treated the same in hiring.

When do I need to become a member?
Union contracts with most employers include what is known as a Union Security Clause. Any employee who works for an employer for the number of hours listed in the Contract's Union Security Clause will be asked to apply for membership to continue working. The hour threshold for the clause varies from venue to venue. It is usually around 750 hours. Of course a person may apply for membership at anytime. The membership filing fee and application fee cost $385. A member has the right to participate in Union governance.

How do I get on the TWU #887 Roster? Follow the instructions listed on this blog for "Registering with TWU #887". You will then be placed on our “extras” list. The Union calls upon these workers when it is dispatching a call for workers and has exhausted the list of previously employed workers. A worker moves from the “extras” list to the bottom of our Roster (dispatch list) on the date that they first work at a represented venue. A worker may also move from the “extras” list to the Dispatch List if they are hired by a costume shop.

How do I get costume shop work?
TWU #887 represents workers in costume shops at Seattle Opera, Seattle Repertory Theare, Seattle Children’s Theatre, ACT, 5th Avenue, and Village Theatre. Most of these employees are hired through the usual process of resumes and interviews. Please contact them directly to express your interest in employment. Workers who have previously worked under an 887 Union contract are given a preference in hiring.

How do I get Wardrobe (dressing) work? What is dispatched work?
Employers hire some of this work directly. Generally, venues come to the Union when they are in need of workers for dressing crews. The Union will dispatch workers from our Roster following the Union’s Dispatch Rules. The Dispatch Rules are posted on this site. There is also a copy at every venue, and they can be mailed to you from our office.

Who is the Call Steward?
The Call Steward is the person who contacts the workers on the Roster to offer work.

What is the Hiring Hall Fee?
A Hiring Hall Fee of $10/quarter is required for those who are high on the Rostrer (numbers 1-120) who wish to be called for dispatched work. (All members, regardless of their place on the Dispatch List, pay this fee as part of their membership dues.) The fee helps to cover the salary of the Call Steward.


How much will I be paid? Do I get benefits?
Each venue has its own pay scale. A copy of the contract with pay rates and conditions is available at each venue. Venues generally pay every week or every two weeks. In addition to wages, each employer (except the Mt. Baker) contributes an agreed upon percentage to health insurance and retirement plans on your behalf.


How do I qualify for Health Insurance?
In addition to your hourly wage Employer’s contribute a negotiated amount, generally around 10%, to the IATSE National Health and Welfare Fund in your name. Your account is referred to as a CAPP (contributions available for premium payments) account. You may find out the balance in your account by calling 1-800-456-fund. You are alsoto monitor your account online at iatsenbf.org

Your right to enroll in the health insurance plan offered by IATSE National Benefit funds will begin when your CAPP account reaches the cost of one month of the plan plus a one time $150 administrative fee. There is no time limit to accumulate this amount. When you reach this amount the National Benefit Funds will send you an information packet. You may choose to enroll by self paying the amount needed to make up one quarter of the cost of the plan.

If you do not enroll at the time that you first meet the minimum eligibility requirement of one month’s premium, you must wait until your CAPP account balance reaches the cost of one quarter of the plan (as of January 2008 this is about $800 for the lowest plan), plus the $150 administrative fee. You will be sent enrollment information. You will be offered a choice to either buy insurance from IATSE or if you have proof that you have health insurance coverage from another source, use the account as a Medical Reimbursement Program for premiums and co-pays. You may not waive coverage at this time. If you do not make a coverage selection, you will automatically be enrolled in the IATSE health insurance program through Empire Blue Shield. Read the material sent to you. The National Benefit Funds have an excellent website with the most current information, iatsenbf.org. Local 877 only participates in the Health Plan portion of the funds.

Who does IATSE contract with to provide coverage?
Dental, vision, and general health coverage are serviced by different providers. You will be sent coverage information. The National Benefit Funds have an excellent website with the most current information, iatsenbf.org. Local 877 only participates in the Health Plan portion of the funds.

Where do the retirement contributions go? Can I contribute more? How do I manage my 401(k) account?
Local 887 participates in the Western Employee Benefit Trust (WEB Trust). Participating employer’s send your retirement contribution (this is in addition to your wage) to WEB Trust in your name. The plan also allows for employees to make additional voluntary pre-tax wage deferrals. This means that you can elect to have employers deduct a percentage of your wages to be sent to the 401(k) account in addition to the employer contribution. You will need to fill out the appropriate paperwork to set this up. WEB Trust information is available at each venue. They can be reached at 206-282-3205 or 800-524-4852. (Manage your account on line at myretirementaccount.com.)

You will receive a quarterly statement in the mail from WEB Trust regarding contributions to your account and gains or losses in earnings. You may manage your account and allocate your funds into one or more of several portfolio options managed by Rainier Investment Management. (Manage your account on line at myretirementaccounts.com.) To find out more about the performance of the various mutual funds offered by Rainier Investment Management you may call them at 206-464-0400 or 800-536-4640, or rainierfunds.com. For those who do not fill out a form to direct their contributions, their investments will be automatically placed in the First American Money Market Fund. ____________________________________________________________________