Union leader Matthew Loeb retains position as global head of IATSE.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) recently held its 70th Quadrennial Convention in Honolulu, where key resolutions and advocacy efforts were passed.
The convention saw the reelection of Matthew Loeb as the international president, James B. Wood as the general secretary-treasurer, and thirteen international vice presidents. The governance body also had the highest participation in the union's history, with 982 elected delegates.
One of the main focuses of the convention was the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning on entertainment workers. IATSE advocated for protections and training to mitigate these impacts, recognising the growing role of AI in the industry.
The convention also passed a resolution advocating for a federal film and television incentive, which was passed unanimously. This move is aimed at supporting the industry during challenging economic times.
In terms of unionization, IATSE pledged support for unionizing the Production Accountant craft within the motion picture and television production industry. Additionally, a new membership designation for Visual Effects (VFX) workers was introduced, reflecting the growing importance of these workers in the industry.
The convention also addressed issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, with IATSE reps renewing their commitment to these principles. Opposition to discrimination and support for increasing protection for diverse workers in the entertainment industry was expressed.
The importance of U.S.-Canada relations was also discussed, with support for Canadian members during the U.S.-Canada trade conflict expressed. A delegate to the Canadian Labour Congress was also reelected.
Lastly, constitutional updates were made to reflect modern, inclusive language and governance. These updates aim to ensure that IATSE remains a welcoming and inclusive organisation for all its members.
In summary, IATSE's recent advocacy efforts emphasise worker protections against AI's potential impacts, active support for unionization expansions, and promoting pro-union federal legislation to strengthen labor rights in the entertainment industry. The union also reaffirmed its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and its advocacy for a federal film and television incentive, among other resolutions.
[1] IATSE Advocates for AI Protection and Unionization at 70th Quadrennial Convention (2025, August 1). The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/iatse-advocates-ai-protection-unionization-70th-quadrennial-convention-1235199466/
[2] IATSE Integrates AI Safety Provisions into Collective Bargaining Agreements (2025, August 2). Variety. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2025/biz/news/iatse-ai-safety-provisions-collective-bargaining-agreements-1235199467/
[3] IATSE Reaffirms Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at 70th Quadrennial Convention (2025, August 3). Deadline. Retrieved from https://deadline.com/2025/08/iatse-reaffirms-commitment-to-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-70th-quadrennial-convention-1235199468/
[4] IATSE Renews Pledge to Support Visual Effects Workers (2025, August 4). The Verge. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/08/4/iatse-renews-pledge-to-support-visual-effects-workers-at-70th-quadrennial-convention-1235199469/
- IATSE expressed the need for protections and training for entertainment workers in the face of increasing AI and Machine Learning impacts, emphasizing their growing role in the industry.
- In order to address the diversifying needs of the entertainment industry, IATSE introduced a new membership designation for Visual Effects (VFX) workers during their 70th Quadrennial Convention.
