Orlando, Florida. The 66th Quadrennial Convention of IATSE, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees became the twenty-first international union to endorse HR 676, national single payer healthcare legislation introduced by Congressman John Conyers (D-MI).

On July 29, 2009, over 800 delegates, representing more than 100,000 members nationwide, voted unanimously to endorse H.R. 676. Since a campaign to endorse HR 676 began within IATSE last January, over seventy-five individual IATSE locals have endorsed HR 676.

International President Matthew D. Loeb stated from the podium after the vote that HR 676 is the “right thing to do.” The Convention resolution will now be submitted to the AFL-CIO Convention to take place in Pittsburgh Sept. 13-17th.

Robert Score, Recording Corresponding Secretary of IATSE Local One in New York City, led the six month campaign.