There we have a bird's-eye view of the I.A.T.S.E. and the long, long way it has come since its founding nearly a century ago, toward accomplishing the Purposes set forth in its International Constitution. These are:
"To achieve, by organization and mutual endeavour, the improvement of the social and economic conditions of employees identified with the theatrical, television, moving picture, entertainment, amusement, and commercial or industrial show industries of the United States and Canada, working in any of the crafts, classifications or categories referred to in Article Eighteen, Section 10, of this Constitution or in any other craft, classification or category over which this Alliance exercises or may exercise jurisdiction or with respect to whom this Alliance holds or may acquire bargaining rights;
to insure the maintenance of a fair rate of wages for services competently rendered;
to assure the employment of all members in these industries; and
to secure to ourselves by unity of action such benefits as are rightfully ours, pledging ourselves in all difficulties to accept wise, honourable and conservative mediation, that equity be maintained."
The accomplishment of that purpose sometimes has been made very difficult by the vast technological changes which have occurred in the entertainment industry down through the years. Through it all, however, the I.A.T.S.E. has moved steadily forward with a firm determination to bring under one banner the multitude of different crafts active in every technical phase of the legitimate theatre, motion picture theatres, film and video production, film distribution, television, the opera, etc. For many workers in this industry, I.A. membership is today one of the most valuable and proudest possessions of their lifetime. And they are convinced that this value and this source of pride will continue to grow mightily in the years ahead.