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General Union Questions

  • What is IATSE Local 764?
    IATSE Local 764 is a Labor Union that represents wardrobe workers and child actor guardians in New York City & vicinity.
     

  • What work does Local 764 represent?
    We represent the people who do wardrobe work, dressers, costumers, sewers, stitchers, dressmakers, tailors, laundry workers, ager/dyers, costume technicians and child actor guardians.
     

  • What does “New York City Vicinity” mean?
    IATSE Local 764's geographical jurisdiction, (where we work), is a 50-mile radius from Columbus Circle and all of Long Island for Television & Motion Picture projects.
     

  • Is Local 764 affiliated with the IATSE?
    Yes. We are an autonomous Local of the “International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada” (IATSE).
     

  • Is Local 764 affiliated with the AFL-CIO?
    Yes, we are an affiliated local of the AFL-CIO.
     

  • What is a Labor Union?
    A union is a group of workers who come together to protect and further their rights and interests as workers in a specific craft, in a specific industry, or for a particular employer.

Membership Process

  • How do you become a member of Local 764?
    The most common way to become a Local 764 member is by:
    — Registering with Local 764
    — Working 30 days under a Local 764 Collective Bargaining Agreement (Contract)
    — Having your work history reviewed by the Local 764 office
    — Paying the initiation fee and taking the oath of Membership
    — Approval of your application by the IATSE
     

  • What is registering with Local 764 mean?
    Registering with Local 764 is the process of filling out an online registration form of demographic information, submitting the required documents, and paying a $100.00 registration fee.
     

  • Why do I need to inquire first?
    The inquiry step allows the office to send you the correct registration form based on your specific inquiry.
     

  • What are the required documents to official register with Local 764?
    — 3 letters of recommendation
    — Resume
    — Proof of residency
     

  • What counts as proof of residency?
    — A long term lease
    — A drivers license/state ID
    — Voter registration
     

  • Am I member after I register?
    No. Once you register with Local 764, your designation is Applicant. You become a Member only after you have worked 30 days under a Local 764 Contract, your work has been reviewed by the office, you have paid the initiation fee, taken the oath of Membership, and your application has been approved by the IATSE.
     

  • Can I work under Local 764 Contract if I’m not a member?
    Yes. In fact, it is the way to become a member. Applicants may work while not yet a member, while registered and working toward the required 30 days, and during the period in which the Local 764 office and IATSE office review your work history and application.
     

  • How long does it take to become a member and do the 30 days need to be consecutive?
    The length of time it takes to become a member is individual for each person. It depends on how long it takes to meet the 30-day work requirement. These days do not need to be consecutive, and do not expire.
     

  • How long does it take for my work history to be reviewed once I’ve achieved my 30 days? 
    It can take 4 to 6 weeks from the time the work is completed.
     

  • Can I work on a lot of different jobs to achieve the 30 day requirement?
    Yes. All days worked under a Local 764 Contract count toward the 30 day requirement.
     

  • What does a day mean? Do you need to work 8 hours to have it count as a day?
    A day is whatever your work call is for that employer. There is no hourly count associated with the days. If you work two different calls for two different employers on the same day, they will count as two separate days.
     

  • Is it okay to accept work before my registration is complete?
    Yes: if you have been offered work before you register you may accept it and then register with us by submitting your information through our online form called “Already Working.”

    You will need:
    — Contact information of the person wishing to hire you/who has hired you
    — Name of the production you are working
    — Start date/anticipated start date
    — Resume
    — Proof of residency

Fees and Payment

  • Why does Local 764 charge fees and dues?
    Local 764 charges fees and dues to operate and provide representation for members under our Collective Bargaining Agreement (Contract).
     

  • For 2026 the fees of Local 764 are:
    — Local 764 Registration fee (one time): $100.00
    — Local 764 Initiation fee (one time): $1000.00
    — Local 764 Work dues: 2% of gross salary
    — Local 764 Quarterly dues: $66/quarter 
     

  • Do I have to pay dues if I am not a member yet?
    Yes. All workers who work under Local 764 Contracts pay work dues, which are 2% of gross salary, less some fees and stipends.
     

  • Are there payment plans available for the Initiation Fee?
    Yes, you can arrange a payment plan for the Initiation Fee. However, you cannot complete your membership process until the fee is paid in full.

Collective Bargaining Agreements (Contracts)

  • How do I know if I am working under a Local 764 Contracts?
    Ask. If you are offered a job, ask the person wishing to hire you if it is a Union job. If it is, make sure you are registered with Local 764. You may also ask the Local 764 office what Contract you are working under. You must provide the name of the show and where the work will take place with your inquiry.
     

  • Do I mark “Union” on my start paperwork if I’m not a member yet?
    Yes. You have been hired to work under the Union Contract and you should fill out the Union start paperwork.
     

  • Are all the Contracts the same?
    No. Contracts vary depending on different conditions, including who the employer is, what the budget is, where the venue is, and other factors. Check with the Local 764 office.
     

  • Is Local 764 my employer when I work under a Local 764 Contract?
    Local 764 is not your employer. Local 764 is your Union. Local 764 is the bargaining agent representing people who work under the Contracts that have been negotiated. Your employer is the company that hires you and pays you.|
     

  • How do I get work under a Local 764 Contract? Does Local 764 place people on jobs?
    Local 764 does not place people on jobs. Working as a freelancer in the entertainment industry is much like searching for work in other industries.
     

  • Does Local 764 provide any resources for getting work?
    Yes. Local 764 can provide lists of current projects and shows currently operating under Local 764 Contracts. We call these the Production Lists. The Local 764 office will send these lists, upon request, to workers who are registered Applicants.

    Local 764 also maintains an availability list of workers who are currently seeking work. We provide this list to people who are either booking or hiring workers under Local 764 Contracts. As a person who is a registered Applicant, you may request to be added to this list.

Benefits

  • What are the benefits of joining Local 764?
    The first and most important benefit of being a Union member is that you have a voice and vote in the organization that represents you on your job.
     

  • What about things like retirement and health insurance?
    Local 764 Contracts can require payments from the employer in addition to wages. These payments are contributed to Funds for things like retirement and welfare (health insurance), which workers can then access.
     

  • Do I have to become a member to get health insurance?
    No. Health insurance eligibility and Membership eligibility are separate. Your health insurance eligibility is not tied to Union Membership.
     

  • How long does it take to qualify for health insurance?
    This depends on a lot of different factors and is different each individual. Health insurance eligibility is based on employer contributions, and those rates differ between Contracts.
     

  • Why can’t the Union answer my questions about when I will be eligible for health insurance?
    For your protection, the Union is legally separate from the Funds which provide benefits, including health insurance. The Union does not access to your personal health information. You can contact psc@iatsenbf.org with questions about health insurance eligibility.
     

  • Does my work during the time I am an applicant (making my 30 days and having my work reviewed) count toward my benefits?
    Yes. Everyone who works under a Union Contract is treated the same, regardless of their Union status. 

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