IATSE Native 728 Turns into First Non-public-Sector Union To Make investments In Bitcoin

IATSE Local 728, a 3,000-member chapter of The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada, has made history by purchasing its first Bitcoin investment, according to a press release sent to Bitcoin Magazine. This initiative, approved by an overwhelming majority of its membership, was executed with the assistance of Proof of Workforcea nonprofit dedicated to helping unions adopt Bitcoin through education-based initiatives.

𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍: 🎥 IATSE Local 728 adds bitcoin to the balance sheet, potentially becoming the first private sector union in the U.S. to hold Bitcoin!

Local 728 is a 3k member chapter of the 170k+ union behind entertainment

Lights💡Camera 🎥 BITCOIN ⚡️!! pic.twitter.com/eL4c5kJCCz

— Proof of Workforce (@workforcebtc) March 13, 2025

IATSE Local 728 said it has long championed service, strength, and solidarity, and its decision to invest in Bitcoin aligns with its mission to fight for financial security for its members. “Today, we make history as the first private-sector labor union in the country to put Bitcoin on our balance sheet and hold it in self-custody,” the union stated. The effort was led by IATSE Local 728 Treasurer Pascal Guillemard, former Executive Board Member Jason Lord, and current Board Member David Graves, in collaboration with Proof of Workforce founder Dom Bei.

“IATSE Local 728 has led the entertainment industry in safety, technology, and training since 1939. Our members have been the proof of work behind the greatest productions in history—now, we’re bringing that same innovation to finance,” stated the IATSE Local 728 Bitcoin Advisory Board. “As the first private-sector labor union in the country to put Bitcoin on its balance sheet and hold it in self-custody, we are taking a stand for financial security and labor empowerment.”

“This is about protecting the value of our members’ labor. Bitcoin isn’t just an asset, it’s the most secure, decentralized financial network in the world, immune to manipulation and inflation. While governments print money and financial institutions strip workers of their wages, we are taking control. This isn’t a gamble. It’s a strategy. We are learning, building, and leading,” the union continued.

Beyond its own membership, IATSE Local 728 sees this move as a catalyst for a broader transformation within the labor movement. “For too long, unions have played defense in a system rigged against workers. That ends now. With Bitcoin, we aren’t just negotiating contracts, we are securing economic freedom. We are setting the standard. We are taking action. We are proving that unions don’t just fight for today, they build for the future.”

In addition to holding bitcoin on the balance sheet, a standing committee will be established to explore ways Bitcoin can provide long-term security for IATSE 728 members and their families. The committee will also help integrate the union’s support into the Bitcoin network.

Proof of Workforce praised IATSE 728’s leadership in adopting Bitcoin as a reserve asset, stating, “At Proof of Workforce, we understand that within every organization, exists someone who has discovered the true potential of Bitcoin. Our mission is to provide that person with the tools to introduce education-based and responsible adoption to their organization. IATSE Local 728 is a representation of the Proof of Work behind some of the best entertainment in the world. Their members work incredibly hard in motion picture and television lighting, ensuring the highest standards in the industry. They now have begun to explore an innovative network, aligned with the values and proof of work exhibited by its members. It’s now Lights, Camera, Bitcoin!”

As the first private-sector union to integrate Bitcoin into its financial strategy, IATSE Local 728 is setting a precedent that could inspire other private-sector unions across the country to follow suit.

Yesterday, Dom Bei announced he’s running for a a seat on the board of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). Bei launched his campaign with massive endorsements, including California legislators and the city of Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim.

I’ve dedicated over a decade to championing workers and wage-earners.

Now, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐬 to protect our nation’s largest public pension, serving 2M+ participants! pic.twitter.com/qgbocBVTAI

– Cathedral at (@Beiwatch1) March 12, 2025



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