Twenty IATSE members put their considerable production skills to work in helping to create a new online video called "Artists4WorkersChoice” which demonstrates the support of many in the entertainment industry for the Employee Free Choice Act - legislation currently pending in Congress that would make it easier for workers to join a union.

The IATSE crew joined other union members who are stars of stage and screen - actors, crew, musicians, Broadway performers, comedians and writers - who all share the experience of working every day for a living, struggling to find jobs and pay the bills.

"People associate actors with fame and glory. The truth is for a long time my union contract was the reason I could support my family. That's why I support the Employee Free Choice Act," said television star Amy Brenneman. "Because each worker, regardless of their field, deserves the freedom to bargain for a contract, for a better life."

The IATSE crew who filmed and edited the video included David Ahuna, Stephanie Angel, Antonio Arroyo, Chris Augustine, Michael Barrow, Glynis Burke, Julia Davis, James P. Dolan, Tom Houghton, Neida C. Martinez, Vince Mata, Lydia Millars, Randy Jon Morgan, Merita Neziri, Russ Norstedt, Edward Rodriguez, Tricia Ronten, Reza Tabrizi, Linda Warrilow and Lisa Wiegand.

The video features 47 veteran, award-winning performers. As debate on the Employee Free Choice Act heats up in Washington, the performers made the video to make sure people understand this is an issue that affects everyone in America.

In the video, the performers say, "This is not a red state issue. Or a blue state issue. It's a workers' issue. Please join me, and working people everywhere in supporting a real change in labor law because it's time the economy worked for everyone."

"Union contracts give workers the freedom to bargain with their employers for better wages and benefits, regardless of their profession," said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. "Today's performers are standing with construction workers and teachers and nurses to call for the Employee Free Choice Act and declare that all workers deserve the freedom to form a union and bargain for a better life."

"I've belonged to three unions in my life and every one gave me the freedom to bargain with my coworkers for decent hours, benefits, and safe conditions," said veteran actor and comedian Jerry Stiller. "If all workers don't have the freedom to form unions, I don't see how we can fix our economy."

The presidents of all the participating unions released a statement praising the effort: "The members of all our unions are standing together to support the Employee Free Choice Act because we know that if workers don't have the freedom to bargain, it affects all of us -- our livelihoods, our rights as professionals and our strength to create an economy that works for all."

The video was developed by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada (IATSE); Actors' Equity Association; the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada; the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA); the Directors Guild of America (DGA); Screen Actors Guild (SAG); Writers Guild of America, East; Writers Guild of America, West; and the AFL-CIO.

The Employee Free Choice Act would give workers back the freedom to bargain with corporations for fair wages and better benefits by forming unions. It would also create harsher penalties for corporations who violate workers' freedom and provide a path to good faith bargaining so workers can get a first contract after they form a union.