OVERHIRE FAQ

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

for applicants and New hires

 
WHAT SKILLS DO I HAVE?

 

Fill out the Local 118 skills online form indicating all crafts and tasks you are qualified to perform. Provide copies of Industry-specific certificates and other skill qualifications.

 
HOW DO I APPLY AND GET SCHEDULED FOR WORK?

 

All applications are forwarded to dispatch for review for potential call out. Dispatch will call or text the phone number provided on your application based on the skills you indicated on your application that match the job requirements. Keep your skills current and text Dispatch your availability on a weekly or bi‐weekly basis to ensure shifts are continued to be offered.

 
ACCEPTING SHIFTS – WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I ACCEPT A SHIFT?

 

Respond to Dispatcher’s call or text as soon as possible. Shifts are filled quickly on a first response basis for permit workers. If you accept a shift, expect to work the duration. Often you may get the option of working longer.

 
CANCELLING A SHIFT: WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY SHIFT? Min 24 hours Notice

 

If you are UNABLE to work your shift NOTIFY Dispatch immediately by text allowing as much notice as possible.  If you accept a shift then cancel without reasonable notice or fail to report to work your status will be adversely affected and in some cases, you may be deemed unfit to dispatch. IATSE local 118 permits are dispatched according to a graduated database that takes into account other IATSE sister local status, special in-demand skills like lighting or sound console op or high rigging experience, a permit’s work ethic, punctuality, and comportment

 

NEW HIRES – BEFORE YOUR FIRST SHIFT

 
WHAT EMPLOYMENT FORMS DO I FILL OUT?

 

Please as your employer for any specific Employee / Payroll paperwork that is required at their workplace. for Employers that utilize the IATSE Local 118 Trust account you will need to complete the following:

  • TD1 – Federal – 2 pgs
  • TD1 – Provincial (BC) – 2 pgs
  • Direct Deposit – must provide a void cheque or ask your bank for a Direct Deposit printout.
  • Emergency Contact form

Email to payroll@iatse118.com  or bring a printed copy on the first day and submit them to the Head Carpenter.

Note: There are a limited number of TD1 forms available on the day of sign‐in. Online forms are fillable and can be saved and emailed as a PDF.

 
WHAT GEAR DO I NEED TO BRING TO WORK?

 

PPE gear is mandatory on all worksites and includes:

  • Helmet
  • Hi‐Viz Safety vest
  • Gloves
  • Steel‐toed CSA approved work boots
  • Additional tools as required for the job – Dispatch may be able to forward any information from the employer.
  • It is always good to bring the basic hand tool kit including: 
    • Hammer
    • Screw Driver (Robertson #7, #8, Phillips #2 and slot bit)
    • adjustable crescent wrench
    • Pair of Pliers
    • Multi-tool 
    • Pencil 
 
Show crew attire:

 

Show Blacks ‐Black shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeve shirt. Work in the wings and onstage under low light conditions. Should go unseen by the audience.

Corporate Backs ‐ Black shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeve collared button shirt. Seen but not noticed. Blend into the background. You May be in full view of the audience under full stage light.

Dress Blacks ‐ Black dress shoes, socks, long dress pants, and long sleeve dress shirt, and a blazer. Onstage in front of an audience under full stage light. A requirement when working on a show crew position for the VSO

 
WHO DO I REPORT TO?

 

Arrive early – 15 minutes or earlier to complete employment forms and receive instructions. Check‐in with the Head Carpenter, Crew Chief, or Supervisor at the start and end of your shift. This ensures you get paid correctly and that all relevant TD1 tax forms are completed. You can email all forms in advance.

 
WHAT IF I’M LATE FOR MY SHIFT?

 

Be ready to begin working when the shift begins. If you are late, or not ready to work at the beginning of your shift, you may be sent home without pay.

 
WHAT IF I NEED TO LEAVE EARLY?

 

Expect to complete your shift as scheduled. Do not leave your shift early without first receiving permission from the Head Carp/ Crew Chief / Supervisor.

 
ON THE JOB – WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?

 

  • A positive attitude, strong work ethics are required.
  • Be professional and respectful to fellow crew members, employers, and others you encounter on the job.
  • No photo, video, or recording devices allowed during work.
  • ASK – If you don’t know or are unsure of something “ask” for instructions never assume.
 
FIRST AID – WHAT IF I GET INJURED?

 

You must report to the Head Carpenter any & all issues concerning medical or personal nature.

  • First Aid is on-site at every event familiarize yourself with their location
  • Seek first aid then report to the Head Carp.
  • Report all potential safety hazards or issues to your supervisor.
 
WHAT IF I WITNESS UNBECOMING BEHAVIOUR OR HAVE SOME OTHER WORKPLACE ISSUE?

 

There is ZERO tolerance for alcohol, drugs, disruptive behaviour, horseplay, sexual harassment, or other disrespectful and unbecoming conduct of any kind! If you experience behaviour that jeopardizes your safety or well‐being you or others at work or you witness an incident report it immediately to the Head Carp or seek immediate First Aid attention then report to the Head Carp.

 
PAYROLL – HOW DO I KNOW WHAT MY RATE AND THAT MY HOURS ARE ACCURATE?

 

Keep track of your shifts. You are responsible for keeping a log of dates, hours, venue, production, position. Collective Agreements dictate pay rates and vary with each employer and venue. Ask your head carp at the event or ask dispatch. Monitor your paystub for hours and events. Notify the Union (office@iatse118.com) of any discrepancies or omissions.

 
WEEKLY PAYROLL – WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO BE PAID?

 

Some Employers administer their own payroll, Vancouver Opera, Vancouver Symphony, Arts Club Theater, The Cultch. Other Employers utilize the Iatse local 118 Trust account to administer their payroll.  

The weekly payroll cut-off period is SUNDAY to SATURDAY, Most events’ payroll is completed weekly and includes work within a Sunday to Saturday cutoff period. Occasionally, for large events or events in Abbotsford, an additional week is required for payroll processing. Our payroll department works diligently to ensure accuracy and timely input please confirm your hours when you sign out with the head carp.

 
REVIEWING YOUR PAYSTUB – HOW DO I CHECK I WAS PAID FOR AN EVENT?

 

Each event or show generates a separate cheque or Direct Deposit paystub. The Event Name is displayed below your

address line: “Inv No: ______ SHOW: ________”. Occasionally, two paystubs will be created based on Sunday to Saturday cutoff days.

 
WHERE DO I PICKUP MY CHEQUE?

 

Printed Cheques pickup Fridays 11 am – 4:45 pm at our office located 2940 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3G3

 
HOW DO I SETUP DIRECT DEPOSIT? – First cheque is usually printed.

 

We offer Direct Deposit and request you get set up as soon as possible. information can be found here!

 
ANNUAL T4’s – Keep your mailing address current!

 

T4’s are mailed on or before February 28th. Keep in mind, more than one T4 may be issued; employers processing separate payroll will also mail out T4’s. Keep your addresses current with each employer. 

 
HOW DO I BECOME A UNION MEMBER OF IATSE LOCAL 118?

 

Information on the requirements to apply for Membership in IATSE Local 118 can be found here.