'Hell yeah': Vancouver's Rio Theatre workers ratify their first union agreement
Twenty-six workers at Vancouver’s Rio Theatre overwhelmingly ratified their first collective bargaining agreement.
This week, 93 per cent of them voted to push through their first collective agreement, which “delivers substantial improvements for workers,” according to a release from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Workers will receive wage increases of at least six per cent across the board, with three per cent raises each year after. They are guaranteed a four-hour minimum call (with penalties for late cancellation), health benefits, and additional paid leave.
This is for workers in nine classifications, from management to security to concessions.
“It’s been inspiring to see the Rio workers organize not just for themselves and their coworkers, but out of genuine love for their work at this historic neighbourhood gem,” said Hania Ilahi, Vice-President of Arts and Cultural Workers’ Union, Local B778
“They can now continue their work there with stronger protections and benefits, demonstrating that arts and culture workers everywhere deserve fair working conditions and should not have to sacrifice their well-being simply because of a love for their craft.”
She added that this is not just a win for Rio workers, but for all arts and culture workers.
On Reddit, some commenters celebrated the news. “Hell yeah! Solidarity,” underdogstrack3 wrote.
“Hell yeah! Workers unite!” added Lamitamo.
“93 [per cent] of the workforce voted in favour. If my math is correct, everyone, with the exception of two employees, voted yes to unionize. That’s huge. Congrats to the workers!” said Hallowed_Grave.
In March 2025, Rio Theatre workers officially unionized with the Arts and Culture Union, the first independent cinema workers in Vancouver to do so. Afterwards, the union and the employer started to bargain over the collective agreement.
The Rio Theatre was built in 1938. In 2018, developers wanted to purchase the property, but it was saved from demolition by a community campaign. It is East Vancouver’s last remaining cinema.