Hundreds of IA 33 Members and Los Angeles Union Members Protest at Pearl Jam Concert

Pearl Jam, known for its outspoken anti-corporate position, crossed the picket line at the LA Forum on July 9 as more than 200 IATSE 33 members and Los Angles union members protested wage cuts of up to 35 percent.

Pearl Jam, which has rebuffed the efforts of veteran stagehands to enlist their support, is expected to cross the picket line again tonight at the Monday rally to be held from 6 pm-8pm.

“A lot of hardworking union members are out of work now, trying to support their families. They’re speaking out against 35 percent pay cuts,” said IATSE 33 member Kevina World. “I’m here to support them.”

The stagehands asked Pearl Jam not to cross the picket line for their July 9 and July 10 concert and insist on union crews but received no response. They were disappointed that the rock band rejected the principles they have espoused to perform at the anti-union venue. Stagehands are asking concert-goers to support fair wages for more than 120 IA33 stagehands and SEIU janitors by refusing to buy concessions at the LA Forum.

“We will be at every performance to build pressure against the Forum and bring the company back to the table with a fair offer,” said IA 33 business rep. James Wright. “We are here to fight for our members until we win the campaign.”

Union members from throughout Los Angeles joined the stagehands on the picket lines, including members other IATSE unions, Service Employees International Union 1877, and building engineers

IATSE Local 33 members have been locked out from their jobs since April 10. 
Stagehand veterans have been seeking a new contract with the LA Forum for two years after their paychecks were slashed by more than 35 percent for certain types of work. Janitors had their contracts terminated in February. The Building Engineers were forced out of the Forum last year.