AV technicians spotlight Encore Global’s ‘unacceptable’ conduct

Workers will rally Monday in downtown Seattle, escalating their fight for a fair contract with the event production company

SEATTLE, WA (April 9, 2026) — Encore Global Audio Visual Technicians at the Seattle Convention Center, the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, and multiple hotels in the Puget Sound Region have been working under an expired collective bargaining Aagreement for over nine months. These AV technicians are the behind-the-scene teams that pull off high-production value, seamless events and convention across multiple industries. Despite their invaluable skills, Encore has so far refused to come to terms on a contract that adequately compensates workers for their expertise and guarantees a living wage in a region with one of the highest costs of living in the nation. Now, workers are escalating the pressure on the company to negotiate, calling on the labor community and allies to rally with them in downtown Seattle on Monday, April 13.

AV technicians demonstrating in downtown Seattle in December of 2025. Photo: IATSE Local 15

“This rally is a public demonstration of solidarity with the technicians and a public statement that this conduct is unacceptable,” wrote IATSE Local 15 in a news release. “The workers who make these events happen should not be forced to spend month after month fighting for basic fairness from a company that depends on their skill, flexibility, and labor.”

Workers primary demand in contract negotiations is improved wages. Encore Global is a massive multinational company, operating in 21 countries. The company understands the value of the service technicians provide; it has increased prices charged to clients, but has refused to comparably raise wages.

“Instead of reaching an agreement that reflects the value of their work, Encore has continued to resist fair wages and other reasonable workplace standards,” said IATSE Local 15.

Some technicians are currently paid minimum wage, with no guarantee of 40 hours a week of work. But they’re still expected to be available for work at a moment’s notice, per the union. In this past year, Local 15 has filed 18 grievances with Encore, primarily over the company’s failure to provide meal and rest breaks required under Washington state law.

TAKE A STAND: Rally with IATSE Local 15 members on Monday, April 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel (808 Howell St, Seattle).