Labor Partnerships
At the San Diego Convention Center, our strong, long-standing partnerships with local labor unions are more than agreements; they form the foundation of our operational excellence. Through direct collective bargaining agreements and an Exclusive Jurisdiction Agreement, we’ve built a stable, skilled, and professional workforce that delivers exceptional service and uninterrupted event execution.
This collaborative model has prevented labor disruptions for decades while fostering efficiency, accountability, and shared pride in every event we host. It’s a model that benefits our clients, our workforce, and our community—and sets a standard for the industry.
Collective Bargaining Agreements
SDCC has formal agreements with the following local labor unions:
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 569, AFL-CIO
- International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 501, AFL-CIO
- International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 36, Local 1399
- Service Employees International Union-United Services Workers West
- Southern California Regional Council of Carpenters & its affiliate Cabinet Makers, Millmen & Industrial Carpenters Local 721, United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America
- Teamsters, Local 542
- United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, Local 230
Our business partners have separate collective bargaining agreements.
Exclusive Jurisdiction Agreement
In 2004, the San Diego Convention Center entered into an Exclusive Jurisdiction Agreement, also referred to as a Memorandum of Understanding, with four union partners: the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 122; the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 569; the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), District Council 36, Tradeshow and Sign Crafts Local Union 831; and the Teamsters Local 542.
Formalizing practices in place since SDCC opened in 1989, the agreement recognizes the exclusive jurisdiction of these unions to perform specific work related to exhibits and/or theatrical events.
Event work is performed by members of the labor unions under the supervision and direction of a licensed user of SDCC or by a third party hired by the licensed user. The specific work within the jurisdiction of each union is that which is historically and typically recognized among the various unions. Exclusive jurisdiction does not encompass work ordinarily performed by SDCC employees or by SDCC’s third-party contractors.
The agreement has helped prevent disruptions and contributed to our shared success for more than 20 years. Together, we've developed a thriving working environment that prioritizes client satisfaction for every event we host.
