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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Brothers, Sisters, Kin, and Fellow Professionals,

I hope this message finds you well. It truly is a privilege to address you, not just as your president, but as someone who has worked alongside you for over 40 years, and cares deeply about the future of our Local.

Today, I’m excited to share an important update. In accordance with the IA Constitution, we are officially opening the vesting application process to our vested nonmembers.

These individuals have been with us day after day, often for more than five years, working on the same sets, doing the same hard work, and demonstrating the same dedication and pride in their craft. They’ve already been part of our community in every meaningful way. Formally welcoming them into our union family will only make us stronger.

This isn’t just a procedural action. It’s a vital step toward expanding our collective voice, increasing our leverage, and reinforcing the foundation that keeps our Local strong. By organizing and integrating the people who already share our workspaces, we ensure our Local remains the leading voice for labor in our region.

On a personal note, it continues to be an honor to serve as your president. We all know our industry is changing, from the rise of AI to the shifting landscape of production and the contraction of some longtime employers. Change is never easy, but it’s also not new.

History reminds us that every major shift in entertainment has given way to new opportunity. Vaudeville gave way to film. Silent movies became talkies. Newsreels gave way to television. And when most production moved to Los Angeles, the commercial industry kept New York thriving. We adapted then, and we will adapt again.

As your president — and with the full support of your Executive Board — I promise we will always have your back. We will give you answers, even when they’re not the easiest ones to hear. We remain committed to being transparent, honest, and focused on what’s best for all of us.

It’s time to come together again as a union family.
It’s time to choose a better way forward.

In solidarity,

Christopher J. De Titta

President

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

I.A.T.S.E., Local 52 (“Local 52”) will not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation against its members or applicants for membership with regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected category covered by law. Consistent with Local 52’s Constitution and By-Laws, should a Local member, officer, Executive Board member, or employee be found to have engaged in harassing, discriminatory, or retaliatory behavior in violation of this policy, such violation shall be referred to the Executive Board for appropriate action, up to and including a warning, fine, suspension, or expulsion from membership.

Local 52 has a formal Non-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment Policy, and a formal Complaint Procedure which can be found here {Click here to view the Policy}

CONTACT INFO
Mary Tonkin
HR Director of Operations
Motion Picture Studio Mechanics Local 52 IATSE
19-02 Steinway Street
Astoria, NY 11105

Phone: 718-906-9440 ext. 151 – please read the Admissions Procedure completely before calling the office.
Email: MTonkin@ialocal52.org – email is the preferred method of communication after you have read the procedures completely.

There are two methods for attaining membership in Local 52. A Vestee Application and a New Member Application.

Posted for reference purposes only from Membership Application period of 2025.
The application period is currently closed. We do not have a set date for when we will begin accepting new member applications.
When we do open for membership, we will update the website.

Membership Requirements via Application to Local 52:

1) Minimum Age - Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application submission.
Additional Information: Age verification is mandatory during the application process to ensure all applicants meet the minimum age criterion.

2) Residency Requirement - Must have an 18-month residency within Local 52’s jurisdiction prior to the application opening date.
Additional Information: Proof of residency requires a state-issued driver’s license or photo ID from New York State, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania (excluding Pittsburgh), or Connecticut, valid for 18 months before the application date. Alternatively, documents listed on USCIS Form I-9 for identity purposes, along with original payroll stubs, mortgage statements, utility bills, or banking statements, can be provided. These documents must be presented in person during the official application process.

3) Membership Fees - Payment of the filing fee, and upon passing the craft test, initiation fee, quarterly dues, and a one-time benefit fund donation are required.
Additional Information: The filing fee is $1,000, allowing two exam attempts, with an additional $250 for two more attempts if needed. For Medics and Allied Crafts, the filing fee is $150. The initiation fee is $4,200, with quarterly dues of $69 and a one-time benefit fund donation of $10, totaling $4,279 due before membership is granted. Accepted payment methods include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, money orders, certified checks, and cashier's checks, excluding cash and personal checks.

4) OSHA 10 Hour Safety and Construction Certificate - A current OSHA 10 Hour Safety and Construction Certificate is required.
Additional Information: This certification, which must be from an approved vendor and not expired (considered current for 3 years from the date of issue), focuses on recognizing, avoiding, abating, and preventing safety and health hazards in the construction sector. It is not offered by Local 52.

5) Aerial Lift Certification - Must have a current Aerial Lift Certification.
Additional Information: Necessary for safely operating aerial lifts, such as boom lifts and cherry pickers, with certifications required to be kept up to date (considered valid for 3 years from issuance). Training is available through approved vendors, not directly from Local 52.

6) Application and Exam Process - Comply with the application process and pass the craft test.

Additional Information: Applicants must provide proof of identity, certifications, and residency upon official application. Local 52 conducts an affidavit process for verifying requisite payroll hours with MPIPHP for specific crafts. Application details, including fees, procedures for educational training, exam scheduling, and rules, are managed by Jeanne Stewart, Director of Human Resources and Diversity.

7) Additional Craft-Specific Certifications - Certain crafts, including Grip and Medic, require additional certifications.

Additional Information: For applicants to the Grip department, it is necessary to possess specific certifications that demonstrate proficiency in safely managing and operating equipment commonly used on set. This may include, but is not limited to, certifications for operating forklifts and other heavy machinery that are pivotal to the craft. For the Medic department, applicants must have current certifications that validate their ability to provide first aid, CPR, and other emergency medical services on set. This includes certifications such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or other relevant emergency medical responder certifications. These certifications ensure that Medics are prepared to address health emergencies that may arise during production, adhering to the safety standards of the industry.

Vested Application Process:

Article 7, Section 21 states the following:

“Any person who has achieved vested status in a Local or national defined benefit pension plan shall immediately be taken into membership without a vote. In the case of an affiliated local union that does not participate in a defined benefit pension plan, any person who has worked what would be an equivalent amount to achieve vested status in the IATSE National Benefit Plan shall immediately be taken into membership without vote. The International President, in their sole discretion not subject to appeal, may waive this requirement if the International President determines that the individual has engaged in conduct that is detrimental to the Alliance. Failure to comply with this Section may result in the suspension or revocation of charter after trial or Article 7, Section 16 proceeding.”

What are the prerequisites to apply through the Vesting Application Process?

Being vested in either the MPI Pension Plan or the I.A.T.S.E. National Benefit Fund Pension Plan C. based on years of service,
Achieving vested status while working in a Local 52 covered craft within Local 52’s geographical jurisdiction based on years of service and,
Having residency in the geographic jurisdiction of Local 52 for a minimum of 18 months immediately prior to your application to Local 52 for membership.

What do I need to provide to prove Vested Status?

Depending on your pension plan, working non-members who have achieved Vested Status and would like to file an application for membership to Local 52 will need to provide one of the following documents:

MPI Participant Annual Benefit Summary

IA NBF Pension Plan C

How do I prove I have worked in a covered craft?

Along with Proof of Vested Status, you will need proof that you’ve worked in a Local 52 covered craft by providing one or more of the following:

Payroll company yearly work history summary
Copies of timecards or paystubs for the 5 vesting years (representative sample)
For MPI Participant Annual Benefit Plan: Only enough documents to substantiate you have worked in a specific covered craft for a minimum of four hundred hours (400 Hrs.) per year for five years, not necessarily five consecutive years.
For IA NBF Pension Plan C: Only enough documents to substantiate you have worked in a specific covered craft for a minimum of seventy-five (75) days per year for each year of the five years, not necessarily five consecutive years.

Do I need to bring any other Documentation to my appointment?

Yes, you will need to bring the following documents, along with your proof of Vested status and proof of covered craft, to your appointment:

Proof of ID
Proof of 18 months’ residency in Local 52’s Jurisdiction.
OSHA 10 Construction Certification/Card
Aerial Lift Certification/Card
Craft Specific training and credentials.

How do I file an application?

When you have all the required documentation, certifications, and proofs please email local52vested@ialocal52.org to schedule your appointment to appear at the union hall to file an application.

Applications are filed at scheduled in-person appointments only, walk-ins are not permitted.

For more information on the Vested Process and the Documentation you will need to provide at your appointment, Click the links below.

L52 - Vestee Application Process

L52 - Vestee Application Appendix

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Each department in Local 52 has specific needs you must qualify for in order to be considered for membership.

GRIP CRAFT

Best Boy Grip