DO I HAVE TO JOIN A UNION? SHOULD I JOIN A UNION IF I CAN?
Some of you have asked about working in a unionized environment. Florida is a "Right to Work" state, which means that if you work here, you can't be forced to join a union. Having said that, in our business, there are many "houses" or places like arenas, theaters and other venues, which have signed agreements with the unions. This means that you will need to check to see if the venue is a union house. If it is a union house, the venue will likely only hire union people or risk losing their status with the union.
The big thing to think about is that once you join a union, you cannot work in a non-union house. This is very important!!!! If you are just starting out you will be competing with people who have been working for a long time. Only you can decide if you are ready to compete at the level of a union member. Also, there are some amazing venues that are non-union and you will be able to work and learn your trade. This is a very personal decision, but don't make it lightly.
Below is information which will be very useful as you look for work and decide if you want to get your union card. There are many different unions and guilds in the entertainment industry. Below are just some of the examples you will encounter.
UPDATED 7:09 PM ET Sep. 01, 2021PUBLISHED 6:14 PM ET Sep. 01, 2021
FLORIDA — America as a nation has officially celebrated Labor Day since 1894, when President Grover Cleveland signed an act of Congress designating the holiday into law.
Though it’s now observed as a joyful end-of-summer tradition with barbecues, beach trips and other fun-in-the-sun festivities, Labor Day was born out of the organized labor movement’s battles for equitable workplace conditions during America’s Industrial Revolution.
Article 1, Section 6Links to an external site.of the Florida Constitution states, “The right of persons to work shall not be denied or abridged on account of membership or non-membership in any labor union or labor organization. The right of employees, by and through a labor organization, to bargain collectively shall not be denied or abridged. Public employees shall not have the right to strike.”
In the simplest terms, it means that someone can work in the state whether they’re a member of a union or not.