Lighting Design Group Workers Join IATSE Local USA 829

The designers, coordinators, and draftspeople of the Emmy Award-winning Lighting Design Group (LDG) voted to unionize with IATSE Local United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829. More than 75% of ballots were cast in favor of unionizing in an election certified earlier in July.

The newly formed bargaining unit comprises 34 professionals, including lighting designers, systems designers, coordinators, draftspeople, and their assistant roles. Worker organizing efforts began as early as 2019, gained momentum during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the company's partial acquisition by a venture capital firm, and culminated in this organizing victory in spring 2024.

LDG is recognized as an industry leader in broadcast television lighting design, specializing in broadcast studio and remote location lighting, permanent lighting system design and installation, and webcasting and architectural lighting environments.

"It's one of the hardest times in US history to form a union -- and also one of the most crucial," says Casey Duke, a lighting designer. "By coming together, we've built the power to have a say in what matters most on the job."

"With a union, we'll all have a hand in shaping LDG's future," says Robin Wallace, another lighting designer. "This is a proud moment for our local," says Carl Mulert, national business agent of Local USA 829 and international vice president of IATSE. "The LDG team's solidarity and commitment to building a voice at work reflect the strength and growth of our organizing culture. We look forward to supporting them in negotiating their first contract."

"LDG's team designs world-famous media -- they deserve union protections and a seat at the table," says Natalie Robin, organizer at Local USA 829. "Their solidarity is inspiring, and we're committed to winning them an outstanding first contract."

Local One, IATSE, also secured representation for LDG's gaffers, systems installers, best boys, programmers, moving light technicians, and lighting technicians, winning a parallel bargaining unit during the same campaign.