Training helps new workers advance on Local’s Referral Hall Lists

ABC Lists

Each of the ABC Lists is sorted based on seniority. Your seniority is based on your original hire date. Under certain conditions, such as an extended absence or failure to pay fees or fines, your seniority may freeze. Once the problem is resolved, you can start accumulating your seniority again.

Background

IATSE Local 835, in cooperation with our contracted companies, has set up comprehensive training programs. This provides a step-by-step process for advancement in job classification and pay rates for all referrals.

Decorating Department

The Local realized that training benefits both the employers and the union and the Local 835 Training Committee was established in February 1999 to create a proposal for contract negotiations. Joint Classification and Training Committee (JCTC) was the result negotiated as part of the 1999 General Decorator contract.

The Florida IATSE JCTC consists of representatives from Freeman, GES, Brede and Shepard as well as members from the union. A Trust Fund, funded by employer contributions, has also been established to pay instructors, printing, insurance, accountants and administrative costs, etc.

New Hire Orientations

New applicants attend an eight-hour Orientation and Training held at the Orange County Convention Center. This Orientation acquaints new applicants with the largest and busiest venue in the Orlando area. They are informed of referral procedures, safety issues and receive hands-on training to familiarize them with the equipment they will be using on the job.

Depending on anticipated labor needs, these Orientations are normally scheduled once a month, September through January to prepare for the January through June busy season.

Mentor Program Task Manuals

After accepting their first job, the New Hire receives a Mentor Program Task Manual. This Manual details each of the individual tasks the individual is expected to be able to perform. After performing each task, their Manual is signed by their union mentor on that job and a company supervisor. Only three tasks may be completed each day and only supervisors from the JCTC member companies may sign.

After completing a 250 hour probationary period, the New Hire is placed on the Local 835 Referral Hall E List and will be eligible for more calls for work.

Helper status

After 500 hours are completed, the individual is upgraded to Helper pay, benefits and status. Besides the benefits and pay increase, the upgrade in status also means that they will be receiving more calls for work, since the Local 835 Referral Hall Procedures require that the more qualified and experienced workers are sent out to work first.

Journeyman Training Classes

As a Helper, they will be notified by mail to attend the 4 day Journeyman Training Classes held that are three times each year. After successfully completing the Journeyman Training, the Helper must pass the 100 question Journeyman Exam with a grade of 80% or higher. To advance to Journeyman status, pay and benefits, they must have also completed a total of 1000 hours of work.

Previous Trade Show Experience?

New applicants with previous Trade Show experience must document their hours for review by the JCTC. If they can show 1000 hours, they are eligible to take the Journeyman Exam, though they will be listed as a Helper until they pass the Exam. Applicants that can show 5 years experience and 2000 documented hours will automatically become Journeymen. However at least 200 hours must be with a General Decorating company, otherwise they must pass the Journeyman Exam.

Fork, Boom and Scissor Lift Certifications

Upgrades for the Freight Department are done through the Labor-Management Committee. The Local and its contracted employers cooperate to offer Lift certifications and re-certifications.