Minneapolis, MN — The in-house audio and video crew for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx at the Target Center have officially voted to unionize with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 745. The group of approximately 50 skilled professionals manages essential technical operations, including in-house cameras, replays, video production, audio, and post-production.
The unionization effort gained momentum after the crew requested voluntary recognition from Timberwolves management in October, which went unanswered. Consequently, a formal election was conducted by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on Tuesday, culminating in a decisive 24-17 vote in favor of unionization. This victory makes the Timberwolves/Lynx crew Minnesota’s second in-house sports group to unionize, following the Minnesota United crew’s vote in September 2022.
Workers cited the need for reliable, inflation-adjusted wage increases as a major motivating factor. Since the Timberwolves’ founding in 1989, the crew at the Target Center had received only four wage increases. “After four raises in 35 years, this crew understood that it was time for an IATSE contract,” said IATSE Local 745 Business Representative Charlie Cushing. Camera operator Josiah Wollan indicated that this victory extends well beyond the confines of the Target Center, “We’re thrilled to become the second unionized house show in Minnesota. This is a huge step towards turning video board work everywhere into a respected and sustainable career.”
Justin Conway, IATSE International Representative, praised the crew’s perseverance during the extended organizing process. “This victory is proof that there is wisdom in the old adage, ‘slow and steady wins the race.’ This group of workers has been in some phase of their organizing process for more than seven years. They never gave in to pressure from management or allowed naysayers to discourage them. They just kept going until it became real. That’s how winning is done.”
IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb expressed strong support for the newly unionized crew as they move forward in negotiating their first contract. “The workers made it clear today that they stand united for better pay, benefits, and respect from management. It is my honor to welcome them into our 170,000-member-strong Alliance, and we remain ready to provide them with any assistance necessary to achieve a fair contract.”