State Theatre Workers Votes to Ratify First Contracts with Crobo

The State Theatre workers (IATSE 114) have voted in the affirmative to ratify the first contract with Crobo LLC., the business operating the State Theatre in Portland. This ratification comes after nearly a year of contract negotiations between IATSE Local 114, Crobo LLC, and the State Theatre Bargaining Unit. Good faith negotiations between the parties have secured the unit their first contract, covering and protecting the stagehands and stage technicians who work in the State Theatre. Upon ratification, all members of the bargaining unit will be fully represented by IATSE.

The organizing effort began a little over 2 years ago. Employees of the State Theatre voted to become a part of Local 114 on January 14th, 2025. This followed many hours of hard work amongst the bargaining unit and Crobo LLC, with the ultimate goal of a fair contract for both parties that would lead to ratification.

Matt Doiron, longtime stage technician for the State Theatre and active member of Local 114, reacted, “After over 2 years of organizing and several months of negotiation, the State Theatre production staff has ratified our first contract. I’m grateful for my coworkers who stood strong and trusted me to represent them through negotiations. I’m grateful management listened to our concerns and came to the table to negotiate in good faith. I’m grateful to my local IATSE 114 and the Southern Maine labor council for the support and legal resources throughout this journey. I am looking forward to continuing to make our venue, the low-key best spot for artists and crew to play in the northeast. Solidarity forever.”

Along with members of the bargaining unit,IATSE Local 114 Business Agent Devon Medeiros has worked closely with the unit to help them reach their goals.

“First contracts don’t just happen. It takes a lot of work, conversation, and persistence. The stage employees of the State Theatre have put a lot of time, sweat, and heart into getting to this momentous occasion,” said Medeiros, “I am beyond proud to represent them and proud to be able to call them (officially) my union kin. I also want to extend a sincere thank you to Lauren Wayne and the entire management team, including their counsel, David Strock, for engaging in thoughtful, good-faith negotiations. I look forward to strengthening the bond between employer and union with the shared goal of creating a sustainable, safe, and productive working environment, so that we can all continue to do what we love doing for many years to come; bring live music to life in the heart of Portland.” 

This ratification follows a growing movement of entertainment workers coming together with IATSE for fair treatment, safety, and compensation throughout the entertainment industry as a whole.