IATSE workers are the mostly highly skilled craftspeople in the entertainment industry. Likewise, local union leaders must have the best possible skills in order to represent these members and confront the challenges and the pressures of the modern labor environment.

In order to fortify local union leaders to tackle this challenging road before us, the IATSE General Executive Board, in conjunction with the IATSE Education and Training Department, created the IATSE Officer Institute.

Classes offered include:

• Officer Institute 1.0
  A five-day, intensive certification program that will provide hands-on, practical tools officers can bring back to their local union. IATSE local union leaders at all levels of experience can enroll in this week-long educational program – a comprehensive look into the nuts and bolts of running a local, bargaining, and building power for members.

• Officer Institute 2.0
  Two different courses offer advanced training. Choose either Organizing or Secretary-Treasurer. 

• Following the mid-Winter GEB in Dallas, TX: January 31 & February 1, 2020, you must fill out an application to attend. Choose from two classes:

Negotiations/Collective Bargaining

This course will teach tools and techniques for effective local union contract negotiations, including the importance of advance strategic planning, how to select and manage a bargaining committee, determining the Local’s objectives, priorities and bargaining positions, writing proposals, anticipating management demands, negotiating-table basics, communications with workers and others about negotiations, discussion of contract campaigns, what to do during eleventh-hour negotiations, how to settle difficult issues and reach an agreement, and preparing a memorandum of agreement. The class is interactive and participatory and will include a mock bargaining session in which all students will participate. This course is appropriate for local union officers who negotiate directly with employers on behalf of their workers, and union members who are scheduled to serve on or lead negotiations on behalf of their Locals and is offered for both Canadian and U.S. Locals. 

Public Speaking and Telling Our Union Story

Union leaders need the ability to clearly express ideas in ways that strengthen solidarity, inspire teamwork, and move people to action.  Whether you are running a meeting, organizing, making a presentation, negotiating a contract, or giving a speech, your ability to effectively and persuasively speak is directly tied to good leadership and representing your workers. This one-day course will cover: The fundamentals of public speaking; Practice in composition/development of, delivery, and criticism of informative, persuasive, professional, and engaging speeches/presentations; Techniques and approaches to prepare yourself for public speaking and combat nervousness. Through storytelling exercises and group activities, instructor Adam Wade will empower you to communicate authentically, inspire others, engage with clarity and humor, and increase your confidence and ability to get in front of people and be heard.

• Local Union Trustee Training
  A class to teach local union trustees valuable skills to protect their local's books.