Matthew D. Loeb, president of The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), has warned in a letter to union members that “the middle class and working people are in jeopardy of experiencing severe consequences based on the positions and proposed policies espoused by President-Elect [Donald J.] Trump. Moreover, his anti-union statements virtually guarantee a rough road ahead for Unions and the members they represent.”
The 125,000-member union, whose New York locals represent Broadway's stagehands, ushers, treasurers, ticket sellers, wardrobe artists, scenic artists, and other backstage workers, had endorsed Trump’s Democratic opponent, former First Lady, New York Senator, and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Loeb urged members not to “let defeat discourage us from facing head-on the tremendous challenges ahead.... We must demonstrate solidarity in an unprecedented way by locking arms as Brothers and Sisters for the betterment of all IATSE members. We must continue to strengthen our bonds with other unions and the AFL-CIO to consolidate our voice and power.”
In January 2016 Loeb released a statement saying, "Hillary Clinton is the only candidate that reached out to discuss issues affecting members of the IATSE.... She spent her valuable time discussing our unique issues and challenges with me, demonstrating not just her support of workers in general, but also that she is concerned with the well-being of members of the IATSE."
IATSE endorsed President Barack Obama in his two presidential campaigns, in 2008 and 2012.
Here is the full text of Loeb’s November 9 letter:
STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT MATTHEW D. LOEB: 2016 ELECTION
The election for President of the United States is over. While we did not achieve the result we desired, I am extremely proud of the work of our Political Department, Local Union officers, International Officers and Representatives, and members for the significant efforts made to protect the interests of IATSE members and workers in general. Now we must move on. While I am skeptical for obvious reasons, it is my sincere hope that there can be some healing in our starkly divided nation. And while hope may seem an optimistic wish, it is clear that the country is unsatisfied with status quo in our political system. Unfortunately, that widespread feeling has manifested itself in a result that will likely compound the problem. The middle class and working people are in jeopardy of experiencing severe consequences based on the positions and proposed policies espoused by President-Elect Trump. Moreover, his anti-union statements virtually guarantee a rough road ahead for Unions and the members they represent.
The tendency to be discouraged and lie injured licking our wounds must be resisted. Now is not the time to let defeat discourage us from facing head-on the tremendous challenges ahead. We must pick ourselves up by our bootstraps and stand strong. We must demonstrate solidarity in an unprecedented way by locking arms as Brothers and Sisters for the betterment of all IATSE members. We must continue to strengthen our bonds with other unions and the AFL-CIO to consolidate our voice and power. And we must identify and align with people and organizations that are likeminded in sharing our values.
We have survived as a union since 1893 and we will survive this too. Know that your Union will remain active and vigilant in doing whatever can be done to protect your interests and further the causes that give security and prosperity to our members. As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, “We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” This statement may never be more true than it is now.
In Solidarity,
Matthew D. Loeb
IATSE International President
