Policies on Workplace Harassment & Discrimination (Aug. 10, 2022)
This updated pamphlet includes a statement from the Local 600 Inclusion Committee of the National Executive Board, Local 600's Non-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy, and more. Read the pamphlet here.
How to Report Harassment in the Workplace (Aug. 9, 2022)
When reports of harassment and discrimination in the entertainment industry increased a few years ago, Local 600 reviewed its existing procedures and developed additional protocol for assisting members who experienced those conditions in their workplace. Local 600 condemns all workplace harassment and discrimination and considers it as important a safety issue as any other threat to our members' health and well-being. Nobody should ever have to endure harassment or discrimination. Read the fact sheet here.
ICG's Statement on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
As the stories of sexual harassment and abuse in the entertainment industry and beyond continue to emerge, we want to clearly state that ICG Local 600 condemns all workplace harassment and discrimination. Nobody should ever have to put up with offensive contact, sexual jokes and innuendo, demands for sexual favors or unwelcome advances, just to make a living in this industry.
Local 600 considers acts of sexual harassment and/or abuse as important a safety issue as any other threat to our members' safety and well-being.
Unfortunately, most women have stories to tell, as do many men, about unwelcome attention in the workplace. People often feel unsafe and unsure about relaying these incidents to employers, so we encourage you to report incidents either through the ICG Safety App or by contacting any rep confidentially in our offices across the country. If you prefer to speak with a woman rep, they are noted below.
Theresa Khouri | Central Region Director | (404) 479-0192
Michaella "Micki" Bursalyan | Western Region Director | (323) 371-9329
IATSE Safety Hotline | (844) IA-AWARE | (844) 422-9273
We must look out for each other and stand up and call out this type of behavior. We need to speak up when we witness harassment or abuse.
You are not alone. The Local is here to support you.
IATSE Statement Against Sexual Harassment in the Entertainment Industry
November 6, 2017
Sisters and Brothers —
As you may recall, on October 20, 2017, following allegations of sexual harassment and assault involving a growing list of global media companies, celebrities, and other prominent media figures, the International Alliance issued a strongly worded statement condemning sexual harassment in the entertainment industry. In addition, the IATSE recently reissued its anti-harassment policy, and Delegates to the IATSE’s 68th Quadrennial Convention in July unanimously passed a resolution rebuking harassment and bullying in the workplace. The Statement and Resolution are available here.
The importance of this topic compels me to address this issue with you directly.
We have all heard the recent stories of alleged misconduct committed against workers by powerful people. Such conduct is reprehensible, and must not be tolerated. Because of the unfair balance of power between rank-and-file workers and authority figures in the entertainment industry, workers often remain silent in the face of such behavior, fearing that, if they were to speak out, they would be subject to repercussions, reprisals, or other pressures. However, we are hopeful that the deluge of recent media reports will embolden workers to speak out about, and fight back against, this horrible conduct. We hear you, and I want you to know that the IATSE is here to help, in whatever way it can.
Over the past few weeks we have seen an increase in reports of inappropriate workplace conduct to the IATSE Safety Hotline and to our International Representatives. In addition, media reports detailing alleged sexual harassment have often quoted individuals working under IATSE collective bargaining agreements. In response, the International and its affiliated local unions are reminding employers that employers are responsible for providing a safe, respectful work environment, free from any discrimination, including sexual harassment.
We will continue to remind employers of their responsibilities in this regard, because we know that all workers suffer when their workplace is unsafe. The worker who experiences the harassment is humiliated. And the workers who must witness the harassment are demeaned.
I encourage all members of the IATSE to again review the IATSE’s October 20, 2017 statement condemning sexual harassment in the entertainment industry. I also encourage all members to widely publicize the IATSE Safety Hotline (844 IA AWARE / 844-422-9273). You may immediately contact the Safety Hotline, or your local union, concerning workplace hazards and threats.
Please also remember that workplace harassment and unwanted conduct is a sensitive, difficult, and deeply personal topic. I ask that you acknowledge, as I do, the difficulties faced by fellow workers when they disclose this unacceptable treatment.
Workplace discrimination, including sexual harassment, is insidious and we must all do our part to eradicate this scourge on our industry. The IATSE and its affiliated local unions are here to support you. Together, we can work toward a brighter future, where no worker is subjected to this deplorable conduct.
In solidarity,
Matthew D. Loeb
International President, IATSE