Physical Therapists on Broadway Tours Vote to Join IATSE

Caitlin Huston
·1 min read
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Physical therapists, athletic trainers and massage therapists who work on Broadway tours have voted to form a union with IATSE.

The 18 trainers and therapists are employed by the company NeuroTour and work on theatrical tours such as The Lion King, Wicked and Moulin Rouge! This will be the first time IATSE will negotiate a collective bargaining agreement for touring physical therapists.

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The group voted to join IATSE after filing for an election with the National Labor Relations Board and will now join IATSE’s Associated Crafts and Technicians Local, which covers touring production workers.

“Physical therapists for dance and the performing arts deserve the respect of union and a contract that recognizes the value, education, and time they put into their work,” said IATSE International Representative Dan Little. “Coming together in a union is the ultimate sign of self-respect.”

Workers first reached out to IATSE in February 2023, according to the union. This is the latest organizing effort from IATSE, which has recently been working with VFX workers at Marvel and at Disney to form a new local that covers their needs.

On the theatrical side, IATSE already covers stagehands, hair and makeup artists, and wardrobe personnel. The union struck a new agreement in July with the Broadway League and Disney Theatrical Productions for its “pink contract” workers, after previously conducting a strike authorization vote.

“I believe that with the support of IATSE, we have a much stronger support system,” said Maeve Talbot, a doctor of physical therapy. “We hope to voice our concerns and make some meaningful change.”

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