How to apply for membership in Local 38

How to become a member of Local 38

Motion Picture Technicians

Local 38 is not a “hiring hall” for film workers. All film crew personnel are hired directly by production companies and their department heads. Membership in Local 38 is available to experienced workers who have resided within our jurisdiction more than 18 months. Our jurisdiction comprises the counties of Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne in Michigan.

To qualify for membership, you must provide documentation that you’ve worked at least 30 days in a union-covered position and have paid your service fees. Local 38’s jurisdiction includes most crew positions, except for the camera department. Internship and production assistant work is not eligible. Your 30 days work experience must be accrued within a 12-month period.

You must provide a photocopy of your Michigan Driver’s License to support your in-jurisdiction residency status. In addition to the above requirements, you must also provide a copy of your high school or college diploma.
To apply, you must request an application in writing, by U.S. Mail. Requests via email will not be answered. Enclose photocopies of your diploma or G.E.D., Michigan Driver’s License, and proof of work experience with your request. Be specific; include production titles, positions worked, and dates of employment. When your request is approved, you will be mailed an application. New members are charged a $1,500 initiation fee, plus a non-refundable $100 processing fee. Complete the application and return it to Local 38, along with a check in the amount of $1,600.

Local 38’s constitution requires all membership candidates to be voted upon by our members. Once your application, check, and other documentation is received and approved, your name will be placed on ballot for the next monthly General Meeting. A simple majority of members present is required for approval of your membership. In the event that your ballot for membership is voted down, your initiation fee will be refunded, and you may re-apply in 12 months’ time.

Apprentice Program

The Apprentice Program of IATSE Local 38 is a training program for qualified applicants interested in becoming future members of the Union. The goal of the program is to provide apprentices with the knowledge and skills essential for the wide-ranging demands of our working environment.

The Apprentice Program consists of a series of basic classes and two master classes. The basic classes introduce the apprentice to the various major skill areas of our trade. Each basic class is taught by a Local 38 member who is experienced and adept in that field. The master classes are selected by the apprentice with the goal of enhancing knowledge in a particular area of his or her interest..

Apprentices have no less than two years and no more than three years to complete all the requirements of the program. After successful completion, he or she may request membership by a vote at a regularly scheduled meeting of IATSE Local 38.

APPLICATION PROCESS

All applicants must meet the following requirements before being considered for Apprenticeship:

1. Proof of High School Graduation or Genereal Equivalency Degree (GED).

2. Resume of Experience, detailing 800 qualifying hours per year of work related to the jurisdiction of Local 38.

3. Letters of Reference.

If you are interested in applying, please send a written inquiry to:

IATSE Local 38

900 Pallister Avenue

Detroit, MI 48202

ATTN: Apprentice Committee

An information package and an application form will be forwarded to you. Upon completion and return of the application the Apprentice Committee will review it at the committee's next scheduled meeting.

Please direct any questions you may have about the Apprentice Program to the above address.

Page Last Updated: May 31, 2022 (06:31:58)