Frequently Asked Questions
Membership
Q. What is USA 829?
A. United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE, is a labor union and professional association of Designers, Artists, Craftspeople, and Department Coordinators, organized to protect craft standards, working conditions and wages for the entertainment and decorative arts industries. This means that USA 829 has collectively bargained agreements (CBAs) with employers in film, theatre, opera, ballet, television, industrial shows, commercials and exhibitions that grant USA 829 the right to advocate for workers. The union’s agreements cover the type of work being performed - as such, anyone performing covered work is subject to union protections and benefits.
USA 829 is a local union under the umbrella of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). While most local unions have jurisdiction in a specific geographic area, USA 829 is considered a national local as USA 829 has jurisdiction for some crafts across the nation. Other IATSE local unions include: Local One (NYC Stagecraft); Local 764 (NYC Wardrobe); Local 52 (NYC Motion Picture Studio Mechanics); Local 8 (Philadelphia Stagecraft); Local 2 (Chicago Stagecraft); Local 33 (Los Angeles and surrounding areas Stagecraft). There are IATSE locals that cover all behind-the-scenes crafts, including Ticket Sellers, Script Supervisors, and Theatre Managers.
Click here for more information on IATSE.
Q. What gives the union legal authority to represent workers?
A, The Wagner Act (National Labor Relations Act), passed in 1935, provides the framework for workers to form unions in the United States. The key provision is § 7, which is a declaration of employee rights: “Employees shall have the right to self-organization, to form, join or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing, and to engage in concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection.” The NLRA also establishes the National Labor Relations Board, which adjudicates disputes.
Other legal rulings that have affected the Labor Movement in the United States since include:
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1935. National Labor Relations Act (NLRA aka Wagner Act)
This federal law guarantees the right of private sector employees to unionize.
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1947. Taft-Hartley Act (Labor Management Relations Act)
This federal law prohibits certain union practices and requires disclosure of certain financial and political activities by unions. Established “right-to-work.”
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1959. Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA)
This federal law regulates the internal workings of unions (elections, employer relationships, financial reporting).
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1974. ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act)
This federal law governs employee benefit plans.
Q. What are the benefits of joining the union?
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Professional recognition – USA 829 members have agreed that you have reached a professional level of accomplishment in your discipline.
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Contracts – As a union member, you will be working under established contracts with guaranteed minimums and employment protections.
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Access to information – The USA 829 Business Office can provide you with information such as standard rates of pay, working conditions, or documented issues with an employer.
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Protection – Union contracts guarantee your wages and working conditions. This means that the Union can advocate on your behalf for these – the business office is a text, phone call or email away.
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Community – USA 829 has a thriving, active membership of over 5000 across the United States, including members overseas. As a local union of the International Association of Theatrical and Stage Employees (IATSE), we join with over 140,00 other entertainment professionals working in all aspects of the industry in the USA and Canada.
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Training – USA 829 has its own extensive training programs and, as a member of the IATSE, you will have access to all the IATSE training programs, plus a free LinkedIN Learning subscription.
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Safety – The Union has access to resources supporting your physical and mental health and safety.
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Retirement benefits – See the answers and links below.
Q. When should I join the union? Is it time for me to join?
A. Only you can determine when the time is right for you to join the union. For some, joining the union is a springboard to taking on bigger jobs; others might be offered work on covered contracts that require them to sign union contracts. In general, if you plan on taking covered work, you should consider joining.
Q. What is covered work?
A. Covered work is the work that is defined in our Collectively Bargained Agreements. It is important to understand that the contract covers the work, not the individual; that is, a non-member may be hired under a union contract if they are being asked to perform covered work. You may work under a union contract even if you are not yet a member, and if you are doing work that is covered under a USA 829 contract, you must be hired on a Union Agreement, regardless of membership status.
Q. How do I join?
A. There are four ways to become a member of USA 829:
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EXAMINATION/PORTFOLIO REVIEW: The Examination process evaluates a candidate's skills in a specific discipline. Exams are given at specific times throughout the year. For more information, please refer to the EXAM page.
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PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP: Potential members who are hired under a Collectively Bargained Agreement may make application to the Union without an exam or portfolio review except individuals working as Scenic Artists for which an exam is required. A copy of the Design Contract or a letter from the Employer verifying employment must be submitted along with a pre-payment of the Initiation Fee.
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APPRENTICESHIP: Apprenticeship programs have been established within the Scenic Artist categories in both New York City and St. Louis. These programs combine classroom and on-the-job training over the course of three years. Details are available on the EXAMS page.
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ORGANIZING: Designers and artists who seek representation by USA 829 at their current employer are urged to contact the BUSINESS OFFICE. Organizing members who assist in achieving a new collectively bargained agreement are offered membership and the Executive Board is empowered to reduce fees in such situations.
Retirement
Q: How do USA 829 retirement plans work?
A. All USA 829 agreements include retirement benefit provisions. These benefits can form the basis of a multi-faceted retirement plan. The plans accrue value at varying rates dependent on earnings and contract specifics. Some basic questions about the structure of the retirement benefits available to USA 829 members are answered below. For a basic comparison of the plans, please see the USA 829 Retirement Comparison Chart. There is more comprehensive information at Understanding Your Retirement Funds. For complete information please refer to the Summary Plan Descriptions for each benefit plan:
Pension
Q. What is a pension?
A. A pension is a retirement plan that provides monthly income in retirement. The USA 829 pension plan is funded by contributions from your employer, as a contractually predetermined amount of salary (either percentage of gross or a flat daily rate), paid in addition to salary. It is a defined benefit plan, which means that the amount of your pension benefit will never change- you will receive the same amount each month as long as you live.
Q. How is the amount of my pension benefit determined? What's the accrual formula?
A. The amount of your benefit is determined by an actuarial formula and is composed of two parts: your pension credits plus a percentage of your earnings (called the accrual rate). You can earn a pension credit based on the amount of contributions made on your behalf in a given year- each pension credit adds $14 per month towards your pension. Additionally, a percentage (currently 2.67%) of all contributions made on your behalf in any year you earn a pension credit is added to your monthly benefit.
Q. What is a vesting credit?
A. In order to receive a pension, you must accrue at least 5 vesting credits. You earn a vesting credit for each year when one of the following things happens: You earn $1,450 in pension contributions; OR you earn $20,800 in covered employment (working under a USA829 contract); OR you work 1,000 hours in covered employment (at a USA829 paint shop). There are multiple ways of calculating credits since different contracts set different levels of Pension contributions.
Q. I’m still confused - can you help?
A. There is more complete information on the New Member's Cheat Sheet to the USA 829 Pension Fund If you want even more detail, check out the Summary Description Plan for the Pension Fund.
Q. Can I lose my pension?
A. Once you are fully vested in your pension, you cannot lose or forfeit it. However, if you are not fully vested (meaning you have not accumulated five years of vesting credit), you can lose your earned pension credits if you have too many breaks in service (a year in which you failed to earn a vesting credit).
Q. Can I redistribute my employer Pension & Welfare contributions to favor my pension?
A. No- the allocation percentages of your employer’s P&W contributions are determined by the Union’s collectively bargained agreements. These cannot be changed by you or by your employer.
Annuity:
Q. What is an annuity?
A. An annuity is a defined contribution, tax-deferred retirement savings plan. This means that future benefits are dependent on the investment performance of the fund - there is no set payout amount. Employer contributions to the fund vary by contract, and not all contracts require employer contributions. Depending on your contract, you may also be able to contribute a certain percentage of your pre-tax earnings. You can direct how the money in your account is invested through the instruments available in the Plan. You can elect to receive distributions from your Annuity account following certain life events: Retirement on and after age 65; Early retirement on and after age 55 (subject to applicable waiting periods); Termination of covered employment (subject to applicable waiting periods); Disability; or Death [in which case payment will be made to your beneficiary(ies)] (IATSE Annuity Fund SPD, 1/1/19)
Q. What’s the difference between an annuity and a pension?
A. The difference between an annuity and a pension through USA 829 is that the Pension fund is a defined benefit fund, while the Annuity is a defined contribution fund. For more information on this distinction, refer to USA 829 Retirement Comparison Chart). You must accrue a certain number of vesting credits before you are eligible to receive a pension; in contrast, you are vested in your annuity immediately upon your first contribution. Additionally, all union contracts contain pension contributions, while some contracts (mainly in Live Performance) may not have annuity contributions built in.
Q. Am I eligible for an annuity?
A. You are eligible to participate in the Plan if you are employed under a collective bargaining agreement between a contributing employer and the Union that requires contributions to be made on your behalf to the Plan and such contributions are paid to the Fund. You must be working in covered employment to participate in the Plan. (IATSE Annuity Fund SPD, 1/1/19). Annuity is part of MOPIC contracts, Broadway, some Operas, and some scenic shops. Percentages vary. Some contracts (mostly in Live Performance) do not include annuity provisions. Annuity is not available for Project Only Agreements
You are fully vested in the plan once contributions are made on your behalf, meaning you have an immutable right to all or a portion of the money in your account. Be advised however, that these funds are intended for retirement so any withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ could have adverse tax implications and penalties. Always review plan documents to review policies related to early withdrawals.
Q. Can I lose my annuity?
A. No- your right to claim the money in your account cannot be taken away or forfeited. However, since the Fund is a defined contribution fund, the amount available to you may change depending on how the Fund’s investments perform.
401(k)
Q. What is a 401(k)?
A. The USA 829 401(k) fund is an employee-funded defined contribution retirement fund. This means that your account is funded by deferred salary contributions, and future payout is determined by investment performance. You must opt-in to contribute to the fund on every separate contract - it is not automatic. You can choose the percentage of your salary or a set amount that you want to have deferred from each check. You can only make contributions to your 401(k) if you are paid on a W2. Some employers (primarily scenic shops) offer an employer match to 401(k) contributions. You can manage how these funds are invested.
Q. Who can contribute to it?
A. Any time you are paid on a W2 (as an employee), you can contribute to your 401(k). Some contracts will include contribution paperwork; on others, you may need to request it. You MUST opt-in to 401(k) contributions on every new contract- they are not automatic, and paperwork filed for a previous contract will not carry over to a new one.
Q. Will my employer match my 401(k) contribution?
A. Some Agreements, primarily scenic shops, provide for the employer to “match” a member’s contribution. This matching employer contribution is limited to the negotiated percentage amount specified in each participating employer’s Agreement and will not exceed the percentage contributed by the employee. (Understand Your Retirement Benefits)
Q. How do I apply for a 401(k)?
A. You will need to complete a New Enrollment Form. Once this has been accepted, you can file paperwork to have a portion of your salary deferred as a contribution.
Q. Whose responsibility is it to set up contributions on a contract?
A. It is entirely your responsibility as an employee. Your employer cannot defer a portion of your salary without authorization. If you do not receive 401(k) contribution paperwork from your employer when signing a new contract, you must ask for it, or contact the Business Office. This is different than Pension contributions, which come directly from your employer in addition to your salary and are mandated by the contract.
Q. What percentage of my salary should I contribute?
A. This is entirely dependent on your own financial situation and retirement plans. The Union cannot make that decision for you. You can defer any amount of your covered W-2 wages up to the annual federally mandated statutory dollar limit, which is currently $19,500 per annum (as of February 2021).
Q. How is a 401(k) different from a pension or an IRA?
A. Click here for a printable pdf version of the USA 829 Retirement Comparison Chart.
As with the annuity, any fund you contribute to your 401k funds are intended for retirement so any withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ could have adverse tax implications and penalties. Always review plan documents to review policies related to early withdrawals
Beneficiaries
Q. How do I change my beneficiary with USA 829 and the Benefit Funds?
A, If you want to change the beneficiary on file for your funds, you must do this separately for each office. Some forms must be notarized, so be sure to read each form carefully and follow instructions. If you are unable to complete the forms digitally, you may have to print them out and mail them into the appropriate fund office.
- USA 829 - Local Union Death Benefit: contact Ruksana Chopdat, Assistant Financial Secretary at 917-408-6139
- Pension Fund & 401(k): There are beneficiary forms for the Pension Fund and 401(k) on the Funds home page OR contact Zenith directly M-F 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM EST at 866-798-5733 or 201-947-8000
- IATSE National Benefit Funds: Health/Welfare must be changed separately with the IATSE National Benefit Funds. Logon (or register) to your IATSE NBF account. Scroll down to the right hand side, go to “Life Events Tool Kit” fill out the appropriate form OR Contact Participant Services at: 800-456-3863 or 212-580-9092 or by email at: psc@iatsenbf.org.
Q. How do I change my name and/or marital status with USA 829 and the Benefit Funds?
A. If you wish to change your legal name on file with the union and benefit funds, you must do this separately for each office. Some forms must be notarized, so be sure to read each form carefully and follow instructions. If you are unable to complete the forms digitally, you may have to print them out and mail them into the appropriate fund office.
- USA 829 - Local Union: contact Ruksana Chopdat, Assistant Financial Secretary at 917-408-6139
- Pension Fund & 401(k): There is NO EMAIL/WEBSITE option. Contact Zenith directly M-F 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM EST at 866-798-5733 or 201-947-8000.
- IATSE National Benefit Funds: Health/Welfare/Annuity must be changed separately with the IATSE National Benefit Funds. Logon (or register) to your IATSE NBF account. Scroll down to the right-hand side, go to “Life Events Tool Kit” fill out the appropriate form OR Contact Participant Services by phone at: 800-456-3863 or 212-580-9092, or by email at: psc@iatsenbf.org.
A. There are TWO steps to change your address on file with USA 829 and the Funds. Some forms must be notarized, so be sure to read each form carefully and follow instructions. If you are unable to complete the forms digitally, you may have to print them out and mail them into the appropriate fund office.
- USA 829 - Local Union, Pension Fund & 401(k): From your member profile, you can edit your HOME address, which will then update the union, pension and 401(k) records within 1-2 business days. You may add additional addresses/info for your AGENT or EMERGENCY info here as well. We suggest you verify receipt of the information with each office after one business day to allow for processing time:
- THE USA 829 BUSINESS OFFICE - 212-581-0300 - for Billing, Newsletters and other notifications
- ZENITH AMERICAN SOLUTIONS (formerly BENSERCO) – 866-798-5733 - for USA Pension Fund and/or 401(k) Plan notifications actions
- IATSE National Benefit Funds: Health/Welfare must be changed separately with the IATSE National Benefit Funds. Logon (or register) to your IATSE NBF account. Scroll down to the right hand side, go to “Life Events Tool Kit” fill out the appropriate form OR Contact Participant Services at: 800-456-3863 or 212-580-9092 or by email at: psc@iatsenbf.org.
A. When a member joins the union, they join under a specific discipline category (e.g., Scenic Artist, Art Department Coordinator, Costume Designer, etc.). Members may wish to add a category after joining the union. The process for this varies depending on the member’s specific circumstances:
- Designers must get the Union’s approval to work outside their original design membership category (e.g., a scenic designer who is hired to design lighting). If a member is hired on three (3) jobs outside of their current category, they may be asked to make application to add the new category. The fee is currently $500.
- If a member is hired under an IATSE OR USA 829 agreement to work in a different category, they may apply to add the category via Professional Membership, upon presentation of a letter of employment. The fee is $500; however, if the member initially joined the union with a discounted Initiation Fee, the fee to add the additional category may be higher than $500. Contact Financial Secretary Mike Smith for additional details.
- If a member wishes to add a category through the Exam process, they must pay $75 as an Application Fee plus any additional Exam Fees, which vary depending on the new category involved. After passing an exam for an additional category, there are no additional dues and fees if the member paid a non-discounted Initiation Fee when first joining the union.
- Designers who wish to add the category of Scenic Artist must make application and take the Track A or Track B exam. If a member is hired on a job as a Scenic Artist, they must take the Oversight Exam. The fee to add the category of Scenic Artist is currently $500.
- If an Industrial Member adds the category of Scenic Artist, they must pay the difference between the Industrial Member Initiation Fee and Beneficial Member Initiation Fee.
Q. I haven’t been working in the industry and no longer want to pay dues, how do I suspend my membership?
A. To suspend payment of dues you must submit an honorable request form. (Click here to download pdf of Honorable Request Doc.)
The terms for HONORABLE WITHDRAWAL are as follows:
- You are not a member of IATSE Local USA 829 during your period of withdrawal
- You must swear that you will not continue to work in the craft of IATSE Local USA 829 for the duration of your withdrawal period
- You will not be accruing years toward life membership
- You are permitted to rejoin the Union. Readmission requires a vote on the floor by the membership
- You will not be eligible for the Local USA 829 Death Benefit
- You will not be billed for any monthly or quarterly dues
- Should you decide to rejoin the Union, you would not be required to go through the exam process
- Any member seeking re-admission from Honorable Withdrawal must pay to the International and Local Union all dues and assessments accrued during the period of withdrawal (repayment shall not exceed 2 years) plus a Local Administrative Reactivation fee of $250.00 (this amount could change without notice at the discretion of the Board).
Q. I am approaching 65 how do I retire from the local and collect my Pension?
A. These are actually two separate processes. A member can collect a pension without retiring from the union, and retiring does not automatically trigger pension payments.
RETIREMENT FROM THE LOCAL AND IATSE: (Application forms from USA 829)
- When you retire from the Local you are also retiring from the International (IATSE) and the rules for this process are set in the International’s Constitution. A member may not retire from the Local and remain an active member in any other Local of the IATSE. A member may, however, apply for Honorable Withdrawal from USA 829 and maintain membership in another IATSE local.
- A member may retire at age 65, if you have ceased employment within the jurisdiction of the International, regardless of the length of their membership. As a Retired Member, they would be assessed dues of $4.50 per quarter, and would still be considered a member in good standing of the Local, and may attend meetings. In meetings, they may have a voice, but may no longer vote or hold office. They still have access to assistance from the Local’s Sick and Benefit fund in case of emergency and are eligible for the Local USA 829 Death Benefit. Retired members will still receive the USA 829 Newsletter and the IATSE Quarterly Bulletin.
- At age 75, a member may apply to change their status to Retired 75. They must have been an active member for 25 years to qualify for this status. As a Retired 75 or “Life Member”, they would receive a permanent “gold” membership card and no longer be assessed dues, but would retain the all the other privileges of Retired membership listed above.
- Early Retirement is possible should a member become disabled. This status requires the member to have received a Social Security total and permanent disability award. Should such a situation arise, contact the Financial Secretary.
- To request the forms to apply for Retirement from the IATSE, please call 917-408-6139 and speak with Ruksana Chopdat, Assistant to the Financial Secretary & Member Billing
To request the forms to apply for Retirement from the IATSE, please call 917-408-6139 and speak with Ruksana Chopdat, Assistant to the Financial Secretary.
PENSION: (Application form through the Pension Fund c/o Zenith American Solutions)
United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 Pension Fund and Local 829 Retirement 401(k) Plan
- A member may apply to receive their pension at the age of 65 without retiring from the Local,, but if they continue to work in covered employment, there may be months in which their pension is suspended. A member may also apply to receive their pension prior to age 65, but the amount of the pension will be reduced. Members considering this are advised to discuss details with the pension administrator.
- If a member collects a pension and does not retire from membership, they will still receive a standard dues invoice as an active member, NOT as a retired member.
- Be aware that initial processing to receive a pension takes six to eight weeks from receipt of the completed application to the date the first check is sent. This processing is handled by Zenith American, the pension administrator, and not by the USA 829 or IATSE offices.
For information regarding your pension and how to apply for it, call Zenith American Solutions and speak to Evelyn Moccia or Matthew Kelerchian.
Zenith American Solutions Phone: 1-866-798-5733 or 201-947-8000
Zenith American Solutions Fax: 1-201-947-9192
Evelyn Moccia e-mail: emoccia@zeneth-american.com
Matthew Kelerchian email: mkelerchian@zenith-american.com
Q. What are the membership dues?
A. Membership dues are billed quarterly. The Union has 2 dues structures: one for “Beneficial” members (All Design & Scenic Artists Categories), and one for “Utility” members (Industrials).
Beneficial Members
| USA 829 Quarterly Dues |
$48.00 |
| USA 829 Organizing Fund |
$8.00 |
| Sick & Benefit Fund |
$1.50 |
| Total Per Quarter (without *829 Death Benefit calculation) |
$115.50 |
Industrial Members
| USA 829 Quarterly Dues |
$27.50 |
| USA 829 Organizing Fund |
$8.00 |
| Sick & Benefit Fund |
$1.50 |
| Total Per Quarter (without *829 Death Benefit calculation) |
$69.90 |
Members are invoiced quarterly for dues. An email invoice will be sent to every member with a valid email address on file during the first week of January, April, July, and October for dues for the upcoming quarter. Second notices are sent prior to the end of the billing quarter. Payment must be received by the last day of the billing quarter.
| Quarter 1 |
JANUARY - MARCH |
OCTOBER |
DECEMBER 15 |
DECEMBER 31 |
| Quarter 2 |
APRIL - JUNE |
JANUARY |
MARCH 15 |
MARCH 31 |
| Quarter 3 |
JULY - SEPTEMBER |
APRIL |
JUNE 15 |
JUNE 30 |
USA 829 uses a computerized billing system and sends out quarterly statements to the members. If payment is not received by the due date, the member will receive a suspension notice when in arrears. There is a $25.00 fee charged to all suspended members to be reinstated. If a member falls six months (2 quarters) in arrears, they will be dropped from membership. Notices will be sent out via certified and regular mail to any member about to be dropped, approximately two weeks before the actual drop date. The policy of the Financial Secretary is to also call anyone in danger of being dropped. There are serious financial consequences to being dropped. If you are having trouble with your payments or will be traveling for an extended period, please contact the office to make arrangements.
Every member must be in good standing to receive a quarterly working card, which shall be issued to each member upon payment of quarterly dues and work assessments. Members must be holding a valid card to accept covered employment.
Q. What are contract dues or 2% check-off dues?
WORK ASSESMENT: 2% CHECK OFF DUES
A. Contract dues are a work assessment of 2% of gross earnings due on all covered Union employment. This assessment is in addition to the quarterly fees listed above. Some employers, with written authorization of the member, may withhold the 2% from your check and send it directly to the Union. This is the standard practice in scenic shops, on Broadway, and in film and television where a payroll house is often involved. The member must authorize this by checking off the appropriate box on the contract cover page (Click here to get check-off form). For live performance employers who do not withhold dues, a charge for 2% dues will appear on your invoice in the quarter following approval of the individual contract by the business office.
Please Note: Should the payroll house fail to deduct and send the 2%, you- the member- are still obligated to pay the appropriate amount, or you will be billed directly from the union on the next quarterly billing cycle. (The Pension & Welfare Funds are administered through a separate office, and payments made to these Funds by employers on your behalf or by you for a health insurance self-pay in no way affect your dues or Work Assessment obligations.)
It is your responsibility to look at your paychecks to confirm that in-contract dues are being deducted. If they are not, it is your obligation to contact the payroll department. Do not assume that your payroll department will get it right, even if you submitted your check-off form with your start-up paperwork. ALWAYS CHECK YOUR DEDUCTIONS ON YOUR PAYCHECK.
Q. What are the penalties if I do not pay my dues?
Suspension – Any member who is three (3) months in arrears in regular monthly dues, or an amount equivalent to three months’ dues, shall be automatically suspended from all benefits and privileges of the Local Union until such indebtedness is paid in full. Suspended members may not work within the jurisdiction of the local union. Employers contact the union to make sure the members on their jobs are Active members in Good Standing. Members wishing to reinstate themselves following suspension shall be required to pay all outstanding indebtedness through the month of reinstatement plus a Reinstatement Fee of $25.00.
Dropped from Membership – Any member who is six (6) months in arrears in regular monthly dues or any indebtedness equal to or exceeding six months regular dues will be dropped from the member rolls and are obligated to return their Union stamp. Prior to being dropped, members shall be notified by certified mail in accordance with Article Twenty-One, Section 12 of the IATSE Constitution.
Note: Members will receive a quarterly billing statement from the Union. Regular bills are sent via e-mail; a member who is 3 months in arrears, facing suspension and a $25 penalty, will receive a blue “Second Notice”; a member 6 months in arrears will receive a red “Final Notice” that they are about to be dropped. These Second and Final Notices are sent via certified mail and by regular US mail. If you will be away from home or unable to receive mail for an extended length of time, please call and make arrangements ahead of time.
Reaffiliation – Members who have been dropped and wish to reaffiliate must make application for readmission and pay all indebtedness incurred prior to being dropped. A readmission fee must be paid based on the length of time elapsed prior to the member returning to good standing. The amount of the readmission fee shall start at $300 in the quarter immediately after the member is dropped, and shall increase by $300 for each quarter in which the member remains in less-than-good standing until reaching a maximum readmission fee of five quarters, or $1,500.
All applications for reaffiliation must be approved by the membership of the Region, and must follow the procedure outlined in the IATSE Constitution.