State Theatre production staff files petition to unionize [Video]

Production staff at the State Theatre have filed a petition to unionize with the National Labor Relations Board.

The approximately 35 stagehands are seeking what they say are industry-standard wages, as well as benefits for all production staff and future employees.

“We are a diverse, highly skilled group who deserve to be valued with more than just high praise,” stagehand Brian Cormier said in a news release.

“Management says they want to protect the people who work here, and yet we struggle to access even the basic protections, such as workers’ comp, that we currently do have,” added Kevin Lee, also a stagehand.

State Theatre manager Lauren Wayne did not respond to questions about whether she intends to recognize the union.

The production crew is organizing with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 114, which is based in Portland. IATSE represents about 90 stage workers in Maine, primarily …