VIDEO BOARD CREW FOR MINNESOTA UNITED REQUESTS VOLUNTARY UNION RECOGNITION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2022
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Charlie Cushing, Business Representative
(612) 267-8770 - business@iatse745.com
Fran O'Hern, IATSE Co-Broadcast Director
(773) 793-3124 - fohern@iatse.net
SAINT PAUL -- Video board technicians that bring you the action and produce the moments that you crave during Minnesota United
matches and other events on the video board at Allianz Field, home of Minnesota United (MNUFC), have submitted a request to their
employer for voluntary union recognition. The technicians, who bring these events to fans and spectators, seek to be represented in
collective bargaining by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Local 745.
“We are asking for Minnesota United to voluntarily recognize IATSE 745 as the representative for collective bargaining ahead of the
filing with the NLRB,” said Nick Quinn, a camera operator for seven years with the team.
An overwhelming majority of the technicians that work on the video board crew to bring you the ultimate fan experience in professional soccer, have requested IATSE representation. If the Minnesota United does not voluntarily recognize the employees’ request, the employees will file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) seeking an election, which will prove what we already know: these workers deserve respect, a voice, and proper working conditions.
In 2020, the Minnesota United previously claimed that the video crew members were independent contractors, apparently
misclassifying them as such. The Minnesota Department of Revenue became involved, and the technicians are now properly classified as employees. Nonetheless, Minnesota United still does not give the video crew members the respectable treatment they deserve.
“We tried to improve our wages and working conditions without a union, but we were constantly told ‘no’ at every turn,” said Colin
Brookfield, camera operator with the team for ten years. “We believe that joining IATSE is the best way to improve our workplace.” The video board technicians are seeking an increase in compensation, employer healthcare, and retirement contributions, parking
provided, and attention to safety issues. They are asking for the support of the fans, sponsors of the team, lawmakers and the public in their efforts.
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About IATSE 745: IATSE 745 represents over 200 broadcast technicians in Minnesota and Iowa. The men and women of Local 745, produce all of your favorite professional, collegiate sports, and entertainment throughout the region. Additional information can be found at iatse745.com
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