IATSE Local 488 Studio Mechanics of the Pacific Northwest

06/17/2026

THIS SUNDAY 6/21 at 2pm IN SEATTLE
IATSE MPTV ORGANIZING PRESENTATION
WITH VP MIKE MILLER
"Internal Organizing for Motion Pictures & TV Production"

Once again, we have the honor of hosting Mike Miller, International Vice President, Department Director, Motion Picture & TV Production's presentation on organizing for MPTV.

When: Sunday, June 21, 2026, 2:00 PM PST
Where: In person at the Washington State Labor Council Building, 321 16th Ave South, Seattle, WA 98144
And live online via Zoom!

For Zoom link, register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ALK1wN7XQ3-uAyFljT_dzA #/registration

This is an insightful in-depth presentation of the state of the industry and the power of organizing. Now is the time to stand together and organize.

In solidarity,
IATSE Local 488

06/11/2026

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH FROM THE IATSE PRIDE COMMITTEE!!!
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🩷🩵🤎🖤

For Pride events, resources, or ways to get involved, check out www.iatsepride.net.

We also want to hear what your local is doing for Pride. Send us pics and info about any social events, initiatives marches, community outreach, or activism you're participating in so that we can highlight our ! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

06/11/2026

2026 OREGON LABOR PRIDE

Join the Oregon Labor Federation for the Portland Pride Festival on July 18 and the Parade on July 19, as they demonstrate commitment to defending the rights of q***r workers!

The parade starts on July 19 at 11:00 a.m.

More info here: https://www.mobilize.us/aflcio/event/952383/

RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScHUrieAnhsghdDz7JFuYo0Tc6edPPg4KXPWMQp3JY5rLHyaA/viewform

05/28/2026

IATSE 488 Q3 Hardship Fund Applications Now Open! Deadline June 3!

Members of Local 488,

The third round of the IATSE Local 488 Hardship Fund is now open, in time for the Q3 NBF premium deadline.

The fund can provide up to $500 in assistance for NBF CAPP account shortfalls, overdue union dues and fees, utilities, mortgage or rent, and food support with a supermarket gift card that can be used for groceries, staples, and gas.

Visit the Hardship Fund page on the 488 webpage for eligibility information, and APPLY.

https://www.iatse488.org/index.cfm?zone=/unionactive/view_page.cfm&page=Hardship20Fund

(Note: the webpage says June 1, but the deadline is actually June 3, 2026)

Email [email protected] or Southern Business Agent Sierra Bay-Robinson for questions.

05/27/2026

Event in Portland Tomorrow: Lan Su Chinese Garden Joins the Oregon Film Trail!

Celebrate Lan Su’s Oregon Film Trail debut with an evening of film, culture, wine tasting, and exclusive garden experiences.

Step into a cinematic evening at Lan Su Chinese Garden as we celebrate our place on the Oregon Film Trail with the unveiling of our official site marker, recognizing appearances in Portlandia (S5E2) and The Librarians (S3E9). Join members of Portland’s film and creative community, media, and civic leaders for a night of exploration and discovery in one of the city’s most iconic settings. Enjoy curated food and beverages by Pure Spice and Ngot, a wine tasting experience with Sokol Blosser and Kristoff Winery, and themed photo opportunities throughout the garden.

We'll be home to the first Oregon Film Trail marker in the city, so come celebrate this unique intersection of storytelling and culture with us!

When: Thursday, May 28 | 7-9 PM
Where: Lan Shu Chinese Garden, 239 Northwest Everett Street, Portland, OR 97209
Cost: FREE, with RSVP (hurry!) (there will be a limited amount of free off street parking available on a first come first parked basis)

RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scene-at-lan-su-oregon-film-trail-sign-reveal-tickets-1988214507112

05/10/2026

Pride Month is approaching!

A message from the IATSE Pride Committee:
(Note: although this message was originally addressed to "Officers", many members who are not officers are involved in our Pride Committee and activities, so I am sharing this here)

June is Pride Month, and the IATSE Pride Committee is reaching out as you begin planning communications and initiatives. At a time when LGBTQ+ communities are facing increased attacks on our rights, safety, and inclusion, this work is especially important. With that in mind, we are working to better connect with local Pride Committees and LGBTQ+ contacts.

If your local has a committee that covers Pride, is considering establishing one, or has a designated contact for LGBTQ+ initiatives, we would appreciate you sharing that information with us here:
https://pride.iatse.net/local-committees/add/

We are also gathering input from all members about what they would like to see from the International Pride Committee. If you wish to share this with your membership, the survey can be found here:
https://pride.iatse.net/have-your-say/

One theme that has already come through is the importance of stronger solidarity across locals, which is why the Pride Committee has identified regional Pride coordinators. While we continue developing ways for locals to connect within regions, you can view the list of regional coordinators here:
https://pride.iatse.net/meet-the-committee/

In addition, we encourage LGBTQ+ members to share their stories through IATSE’s member story initiative. These submissions help ensure LGBTQ+ members are seen, heard, and recognized across our union, while highlighting the strength and diversity of our membership. Members can submit a story here:
https://iatse.net/take-action/

If your local takes part in any pride events, we would love to hear about it! Please send us any updates or photos. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to connect.

In solidarity,
IATSE Pride Committee

When we stand strong together, online and in person, we have the power to win meaningful gains for working families. Committees “Social issues” are inextricably tied to workplace issues. Our […]

04/28/2026

MAYDAY EVENTS!

May 1st is International Worker's Day, known as Mayday. It is a global, solidarity-driven holiday dedicated to celebrating worker achievements and honoring the 19th-century struggle for the eight-hour workday. Originating from the 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago, it represents a day of strikes, marches, and advocacy for labor rights, immigrant rights, and economic justice.

In 2026, Mayday is especially important, as we confront and resist new challenges to all these principles. There are multiple events planned by labor organizations and activists throughout our jurisdiction of Oregon, Washington, Northern Idaho and Montana. Below are a few of the bigger ones. Feel free to post additional info in the comments.

THIS YEAR MAYDAY IS FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026!

In Seattle:
Rally at Cal Andersen Park: 12:00 noon
https://www.seattlemayday.org/
other events throughout the state.

In Oregon:
Rally at Oregon State Capitol in Salem: 11:00 AM
you can register in advance: https://mayday.pcun.org/?link_id=6&can_id=f84916e9bf8f82967a4ee70e851e74d9&source=email-rsvp-oregon-workers-memorial-day-services-2&email_referrer=email_3203254&email_subject=show-up-for-may-day&&
other events throughout the state.
https://www.daywithoutanimmigrantor.com/events?link_id=8&can_id=f84916e9bf8f82967a4ee70e851e74d9&email_referrer=email_3203254&email_subject=show-up-for-may-day

In Montana:
Rally at the University of Montana Oval: 12:00 noon
https://www.missoulaevents.net/05/01/2026/may-day-rally/
please share other MT events in the comments.

Labor makes itself visible on Mayday!

04/24/2026

A sibling in need!

A Local 488 member, Antoine, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma and is now fighting for his life. In February, he was admitted to the ER, where he underwent two emergency surgeries followed by extensive medical testing and a prolonged hospital stay. He was discharged in March with a wound VAC device to support healing as he regains strength and recovers from surgery. He is scheduled to begin chemotherapy on April 29th.

Antoine was recently diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma and is now fighting … Vanessa Erhardt needs your support for Support Antoine’s Fight Against Cancer

04/21/2026

More Worker's Memorial Day Events in Oregon:

On Tuesday, April 28, 2025, the Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, will honor the 38 workers from across the state who lost their lives while performing their jobs in 2025.


We invite you to join us for Workers' Memorial Day services in Portland and Salem.

Workers' Memorial Day is observed annually on April 28, commemorating the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), which affirms every worker's fundamental right to a safe workplace.


This legislation was established through the relentless efforts of the labor movement. This day serves both to honor those we've lost and as a call to action to continue the fight for workplace safety.

Portland: https://www.mobilize.us/oraflcio/event/932736/?link_id=6&can_id=9345f8a441ceed0a44308f79e4d5bff7&source=email-rsvp-oregon-workers-memorial-day-services&email_referrer=email_3202103&email_subject=rsvp-oregon-workers-memorial-day-services&&

Salem: https://www.mobilize.us/oraflcio/event/932730/?link_id=8&can_id=9345f8a441ceed0a44308f79e4d5bff7&source=email-rsvp-oregon-workers-memorial-day-services&email_referrer=email_3202103&email_subject=rsvp-oregon-workers-memorial-day-services&&

04/20/2026

From the IATSE Training Department:

Sisters, Brothers, Kin –
Join us next week for a Workers Memorial Day webinar as we honor workers who have died, were injured, or became ill from their job, and together we will renew our commitment to workplace health and safety.

When: Tuesday, April 28, 10:00-10:15 AM PST
Where: Online.

Register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5898586767521793884?link_id=7&can_id=272c479b3c9692a9ba0093284b1c9b8b&source=email-workers-memorial-day-91&email_referrer=email_3201277&email_subject=workers-memorial-day&&