Joining IATSE Local 480 is a multi-step process that will take some time to complete.  Those who pass the General Membership vote must then be approved by our parent organization, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, its Territories and Canada.  Joining the Local is not a free process.   The initiation fee is $600.00 and quarterly dues are $65.00 (going up to $70.00 in 2008).   In addition to these fees, once working on a production you will be assessed 4% of all wages earned on that production.
There are 2 things that you should consider carefully before applying to the Local.  First, we are not a hiring hall.  You will be responsible for finding work for yourself. Our responsibility is to protect you once you are working. Second, once you join the Local, you will be a member for life. Even if you are expelled or take an honorable withdrawal, you will continue to owe dues to the Local and to the International. You will have to pay these intervening dues if you wish to rejoin the Local at a later date. These are not matters to be taken lightly. Please make sure you understand the consequences of your request.
 
Application Policy

1.          Overflow listing:
             In order to be included on the overflow list, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
             A.       Submit a completed resume form which includes current contact information, work history with dates and contacts, 2 references, and any certifications or union affiliations
             B.       Provide 2 letters of recommendation
             C.       Provide a copy of a picture ID issued by a governmental agency (driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID, etc.)
             D.       Provide proof of 18 months as a New Mexico resident OR a request for the residency requirement to be waived
             E.       After meeting the requirements in A-D, completion of an OSHA safety course for film technicians and a Union orientation class.

             Anyone who meets these requirements will be listed as overflow. Overflow applicants then have 2 obligations to remain on the overflow list:
             1.        Keep your address and phone listing current; and
             2.        Respond within 10 days to notices sent out by Local 480

2.          Transfers or Dual Cards:
             This gives the applicant the right to apply for immediate membership. An application should be completed, two references supplied, a 1-page resume, along with two letters of recommendation shall be provided. Transfers need to have a transfer card sent to Local 480 from their current Local.

3.          5 Years of Equivalent Experience:  These applicants shall also supply one of the following: a verified card with documents indicating good standing from a Union that covers that craft, two letters from Union members verifying their   experience, an industry recognized certificate or diploma, or 2 personal references from Local 480 members. The Executive Board will review applicant’s information and then present it to the Membership for a voice vote or ballot vote at the next General Membership meeting. The 30 day rule stated in number 6 below still applies.
          
4.          15 Days in a covered craft on a contract production:
This gives the applicants the right to apply for membership in IATSE Local 480 as long as they also provide a letter of recommendation from a Local 480 union member who is familiar with the applicant’s work. An application form must be completed and submitted to the union office with the first $200 of the initiation fee. The Executive Board will review the applicant’s information and then present it to the membership for a voice vote or ballot vote at the next General Membership Meeting.

5.          Local 480 Training Trust Applicants:
The IATSE Local 480 Training Trust has the right to petition the Executive Board directly on behalf of applicants that the Trust believes are qualified to join the union.

6.          30 days in a covered craft on a contract production:
Local 480 is required to offer union membership to the applicant. An application form must be completed and submitted to the union office with the first $200 of the initiation fee. The general membership will conduct a yea or nay voice vote to accept the applicant. If the applicant is offered membership, but refuses, the Business Agent has the right to remove the person from any contract position after 30 days.

7.          All applicants must comply with Article 11 of the Constitution (financial obligations).