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La Mirada adopts MOU with IATSE Local 504 covering city theater stage employees
Summary
The council adopted Resolution No. 26‑02 on Jan. 13, approving a memorandum of understanding with IATSE Local 504 (effective Jan. 13, 2026–June 30, 2027) that covers stagehand classifications, establishes shop steward provisions, safety-review procedures and compensation terms.
La Mirada — The City Council on Jan. 13 adopted a memorandum of understanding with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Local 504, covering specified theater classifications through June 30, 2027.
Human Resources Manager Cecilia Benavidez summarized the terms presented to the council: IATSE will be the exclusive bargaining representative for the assistant technical director, stagehand 1–3, sound engineer and master electrician classifications. The MOU permits dues deductions from paychecks, establishes up to four shop stewards who receive paid release time for union business, and guarantees representation rights for employees in grievance and disciplinary meetings.
Benavidez said the agreement requires an annual outside safety consultant review, provides a bargaining‑unit member seat on the city safety committee, and reaffirms the city’s authority to apply progressive discipline (including limited discretion to bypass certain steps when appropriate). The MOU also includes a dress code clause, minimum‑pay protections (a guaranteed minimum of four consecutive hours of work or pay per day), overtime at one and one‑half times the regular rate after 40 hours in a seven‑day workweek, and a 2% retroactive compensation adjustment effective July 1, 2025.
Council members pressed staff on operational details: staff said about 25 employees are active in the bargaining unit (making four shop stewards roughly 16% representation), release time is to be scheduled so it does not unduly impair operations and that the city will decide and implement corrective safety measures recommended by the consultant; staff also said the city pays for protective equipment if the city requires it.
A councilmember asked whether the MOU would impede the city’s ability to staff shows during an emergency; staff replied that existing practices and processes are expected to continue and that emergencies would be handled consistent with the MOU’s terms. After discussion the council moved to ratify the agreement; the roll call recorded four ayes and one abstention, and Resolution No. 26‑02 was adopted, making the MOU effective Jan. 13, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
The MOU text is incorporated as Exhibit A to Resolution No. 26‑02 and staff said future operational issues could be addressed administratively or in successor bargaining.
