Referral List and hiring Procedures

Employers who have signed collective bargaining agreements with IATSE Local 317 (referred to as “Local 317”) have committed to giving hiring preference to individuals listed on the Indiana IATSE 317 Referral List maintained by the union.

To support this process, Local 317 keeps an up-to-date referral list of qualified freelance technicians. This list, which is regularly shared with employers, includes each technician’s contact information and job classifications they are qualified for. Employers refer to these classifications when making hiring decisions. Important: Being added to the Indiana Local 317 Referral List does not guarantee employment or any specific work opportunities.

The Indiana Local 317 Referral List is maintained without any discrimination and includes both members and non-members of IATSE Local 317.

  • A maintenance referral fee of 1.50% of gross earnings is due from work performed under any collectively bargained IATSE 317 contract. This fee can be withheld automatically from your paycheck if opted into (which is recommended). The fee is distinct from any union membership and referral list yearly dues and is payable directly to Local 317. It remains an ongoing requirement for maintaining referral privileges in Indiana, a right-to-work state. This fee is deemed a reasonable way to equitably distribute the costs of maintaining and improving the Referral System among all who benefit from it.

  • Union membership is not required to work on union contracted productions in the state of Indiana. Placement on the Indiana IATSE 317 Referral List does not confer any form of union membership or status. Therefore, once Local 317 has verified an applicant’s qualifications, the applicant cannot be refused entry onto the list based on whether or not they are a member of the union.

  • Applicants must be able to provide an address in Central Indiana and live closer to Indianapolis than the next major metropolitan area. Per IATSE International rules, applicants should join the local in their market closest to their home address. Applicants also must be referred in one of the following ways:

    • Referred by a current IATSE Local 317 member who has personal experience with the Applicant’s work history, technical skill and ability to preform the job requirements.

    • Requested by an employer. Employers can use a technician on one event as a trial basis without incurring an exemption

    • Applicant must submit a resume with at least two professional references that be verified by Local 317.