What Can 720 Offer?

Being a member of Local 720 provides you with rights you may not already be aware of, and makes you aware of others the employer never wanted you to know. Nevada is a "right to work" state, which means you can be a referent working out of the union without being a member. Working out of the union as a referent affords you the same rights of protection as a member. Becoming a member of the union gives you the right to participate in contract negotiations, union decisions, and at the same time make the union as a whole stronger.

If you work in a show or venue where you and your coworkers have discussed the work conditions, pay rate, benefits, or other treatment by the employer and would like to discuss organizing, we are here to help you. 

We are very discreet, and can arrange to meet the members of the crew that are interested in organizing at a neutral location. We will not contact your employer until the crew has made the decision to proceed. If you would like more information about the process call the Local 720 Business Representative's  office at 702-873-3450 option 1.

Better Benefits

On average, union workers are more likely to enjoy better benefits compared to non-union employees. That includes health, retirement accounts, and paid sick leave. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 77 percent of union workers get pensions, (guaranteed continued payments), after they retire from the job, compared to only 20 percent of non-union workers. Again, union representatives work out these details as a part of the collective bargaining agreement with the employer.

Higher Wages

One of the top benefits of being a union worker is that you enjoy a better wage as compared to your non-union counterparts. Union workers get about 20 percent more in terms of wages (not including benefits) compared to others in similar jobs that aren’t supported by a union. Union workers are also more likely to enjoy consistent pay raises on a regular basis. This is due to collective bargaining between the union (on behalf of the employees) and the employer that results in an agreement setting out clear terms regarding pay and wages. With a non-union job, the employer can set the wage without any formal bargaining process or input from the employee.

Weingarten Rights

Rule 1: The employee must make a clear request for union representation before or during the interview. The employee cannot be punished for making this request.

Rule 2: After the employee makes the request, the employer must choose from among three options:

  • grant the request and delay questioning until the union representative arrives and (prior to the interview continuing) the representative has a chance to consult privately with the employee;
  • deny the request and end the interview immediately; or
  • give the employee a clear choice between having the interview without representation, or ending the interview.

Rule 3: If the employer denies the request for union representation, and continues to ask questions, it commits an unfair labor practice and the employee has a right to refuse to answer. The employer may not discipline the employee for such a refusal.

Collective Bargaining

Collective bargaining is the heart and soul of the labor union. Collective bargaining occurs when a group of people, such as the workforce at a company, bands together to increase its negotiating power. For instance, a single worker might feel that a certain new safety measure should be implemented in his factory, but he might have limited power to get the company to install the new measure. If the entire workforce is made aware of the need for the new measure and bands together to pressure the company to install it, there is a much greater chance that the company will comply. Labor unions band workers together, allowing the voices of individual workers to be heard and possibly made into a goal of the union. Unionized workers typically elect representatives to bring concerns to the company’s attention.

Becoming A 720 Referent

We are currently accepting resumes from workers who have experience in the entertainment industry and are interested in working through our Union. Below are the steps to become a Referent of Local 720.

Please be advised that Step 3 and Step 4 combined may take 90-120 days. Must be 18 Years or Older

Step 1

Submit a Resume & Complete an Information Sheet:
  • In Office- 3000 S. Valley View Blvd, Las Vegas, NV  89102 between the hours of 8AM-4PM Monday- Friday.
To submit a resume, you must have one of the following: High School Theater Experience - 5 Years’ Experience in the entertainment industry - College Degree in the Entertainment Arts -Transferring from another IATSE Local.

Step 2

Your Resume will be reviewed by the Training & Exam Committee:
The committee meets once a quarter to review resumes unless the resume is submitted with a transfer or dual membership request. If your resume is selected you will be notified to move on to step 3.

Step 3

Math and Measurement Test:
Math and Measurement Test- Must pass the math test on how to add and subtract measurements (feet, inches and fractions.)

Step 4

Drug Test & Application:
  • Drug Test: Cost of $40.00.  Please note you have to pass the drug test to be considered for any future employment through Local 720.
  • Application: Fill out Local 720's Application.

Step 5

Complete Preliminary Training Requirements:

•    Mandatory Orientation (3 Days)
•    Present a OSHA 10 or 30 Card/Certificate