Toronto, ON – IATSE Local 828, with the assistance of the International, was successful in its efforts to negotiate its first agreement with the Canadian Opera Company. Negotiations followed the COC’s voluntary recognition of Local 828 with respect to scenic artists in the City of Toronto.

The three-year agreement contains significant increases in working terms and conditions, which now reflect industry standard for the local. The introduction of health and retirement benefits was also a welcome addition.

This is an exciting time for Local 828 due to the opening of the COC’s beautiful new home, the much vaunted Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. The 2,000-seat venue, which opened in 2006, utilizes more than 800,000 feet of resonant wood for increased acoustical clarity and was designed specifically for opera and ballet.