I’ve been a union member for almost my entire adult life. I began as a Teamster with AFSCME 3937 at the University of Minnesota at 19 while working in their medical research centers. I worked with the facility for six years while completing my bachelors degree. My time with AFSCME immediately instilled in me how better conditions and wages were possible with collective bargaining.

Not long after graduating college, I moved to Los Angeles and began working in non-union film and independent media. After many unsafe sets and unpredictable situations put the lives of myself and fellow crew members at risk, I started a tunnel vision approach to becoming a union member once again, as I knew it was the only way to ensure the working conditions I was looking for. In 2015 I finally got my days to join IATSE Local 44 as a Set Decorator. I have spent the last decade with Local 44 being incredibly proud of my membership and striving to give back wherever I can.

In 2019 I became a member of the Set Decorator Steering Committee, an amazing group focused on improving conditions for the craft. During my time with the steering committee, my main passion has been focused on creating a mentorship program for the Decorators, which I founded and have run for the past four years.

In 2023 I joined the Constitution and By-Laws Committee, getting the chance to work with long-standing members in gaining a deeper understanding of the nature and history of our governing documents while updating them to be more reflective of a current-day union.

Later in 2023, I became a Set Decorator Craft Representative Alternate on the executive board, using my voice and vote to advocate for innovation in the local while still upholding the traditions that make us a unique body.

In 2024 I had the opportunity to hold a seat on the Negotiating Committee for the Set Decorators during our AMPTP Negotiations. Working in tandem with the Construction Coordinators, and with the support of the other craft committees, we successfully negotiated historic raises for our crafts.

I feel like my work is far from done, which is why I am running for Secretary-Treasurer. I look forward to another 30 years of being an IATSE member, and am asking for your vote to help bring the drive, initiative and vision that I’ve demonstrated the past ten years to a new office, and with that, more opportunities for success for all our members.

In solidarity,

Ashley Swanson
Local 44