IATSE 857

 
In 1955, 9 individuals submitted a petition to the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes and Moving Picture Machine Operators of the United States and Canada, requesting a charter to form a local union representing Treasurers and Ticket Sellers. On June 1, 1955, the charter was granted by International President Richard Walsh and Secretary-Treasurer Harland Holmden for Local 857. The charter reflected the names of the 9 charter members: Basil Mallicoat, Hiram Moore, George Roberts, Alfred Loller, Robert Edney, Charles Oliver, Phillip Rogers, Emil Josack and Walter Arms, Jr. Thus began the history of Local 857!
 
By the end of 1955, the membership had grown from the original 9 to 40 members. Members worked primarily in the reserved seat Hollywood Movie Palaces. By July 1958, the Welfare Fund was established, which included a Life Insurance policy. Within several years, employment had expanded to live theatre venues and by 1965, the 1st 3 year contract was ratified and required pension contributions. By 1972, the final movie house contract was negotiated but at the same time, the Music Center complex, Shubert Theatre, Greek Theatre and Universal Amphitheatre were benefiting from Local 857’s members’ professionalism and expertise.
 
There was great anxiety surrounding computerized ticket sales but the membership witnessed (and survived!) the change from the old wooden ticket rack hanging on the back wall of the Box Office to the sophisticated computer systems that is the “tool of the trade” for our members. The fear that this modernization would result in a decreased workforce has had the opposite effect for this Local — our jurisdiction has expanded into other ticketing departments, such as Audience Services, Client Services and Subscriber Services as a result of organizing efforts.
 
Today, as we celebrate this landmark occasion, Local 857 is proud to have 206 active members as of June 1, 2005. Our members provide their professional services for the Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, Los Angeles Opera, the Los Angeles Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl, the Greek Theatre, the Pantages Theatre, the Universal Amphitheatre, the Geffen Playhouse and the Kodak Theatre.
 
Local 857 currently holds 14 contracts with 7 employers. In addition to the wages, overtime, vacation pay and holiday pay paid to employees, the Employers make contributions into the Local 857 Welfare Fund, the I.A.T.S.E. Pension Plan B and I.A.T.S.E. Local 33 Annuity Fund for health, pension and annuity benefits for our members.
 
In commemoration of these past 50 years, there was a motion from the Executive Board, which was unanimously seconded and carried by the membership of the Local at the April 2005 meeting that the quarterly dues for the 3rd quarter of 2005 would be waived for active members.
 
We extend CONGRATULATIONS to our members with best wishes for the continued success of Local 857!
 

President	Kishisa Ross
Vice President	Peter Becket-Kuhl
Secretary-Treasurer	Sergio Medina
Recording Secretary	Lex Savko