Working with unions like IATSE can be an intriguing and sometimes complex experience. Even though I was invited to join and have a relevant college degree and solid work history in theatre and film, I never formally filed or paid dues. This situation can happen to many creative professionals who collaborate frequently with union members but hesitate to fully commit due to various reasons, including financial constraints or career focus. From my perspective, engaging with IATSE has meant working alongside skilled techies and theatre professionals who value strong reputations and established business ethics. The union’s role extends beyond just membership—it supports members facing challenges like equipment disrepair or workplace safety concerns, ensuring standards are maintained. In one instance, hearing about a business owner refusing to repair broken equipment due to cost concerns highlighted the importance of union representation. Unions help protect workers and maintain quality standards that individual workers might struggle to enforce alone. Being close to such situations made me appreciate the union’s impact even more. If you’re considering joining a union like IATSE but feel uncertain, remember that it’s not only a commitment for dues but a network of professionals dedicated to preserving industry standards and advocating for workers’ rights. Even for those who have not formally joined, engaging with the community and understanding their support systems enriches your professional experience. It’s also a reminder of the balance between individual career paths and collective bargaining power within arts and technical sectors. Ultimately, whether at the theatre, on film sets, or behind the scenes with tech crews, unions remain pivotal in building a sustainable and fair working environment for artists and technicians alike.