BIO
My pledge to Local 44
It’s an honor to serve as your Business Agent. During my tenure, we’ve faced incredible challenges—navigating the pandemic, enduring strikes, facing industry setbacks, and dealing with the devastation of recent wildfires. Through it all, our resilience and unity have proven our strength and solidarity.
Undeterred by the challenges, meaningful progress continued, leading to significant advancements within Local 44 and at the bargaining table. I reshaped the Local’s negotiation approach by expanding outreach efforts, giving every member a chance to participate. Furthermore, I played a pivotal role in advocating for progressive reforms to the newly revised constitution and bylaws, granting greater governance authority to the membership. I have also worked to defend—and, in some cases, restore—lost jurisdiction while expanding training opportunities to equip members with the skills necessary to succeed. These accomplishments underscore the strength of our solidarity and our commitment to growth.
As we look to the future, my commitment to the success of Local 44 remains resolute. While challenges lie ahead, I’m confident in my ability to lead us forward. Together, we will grow, adapt, and thrive.
I humbly ask for your vote so we can continue this important work together.
In solidarity,
Tobey Bays
Bio
Tobey earned his BFA in Set Design and Technical Direction from the California Institute of the Arts. After graduating, he began a 27-year career in the commercial, television, and film industries. For over 12 years, Tobey served on the Local 44 Executive Board, representing property crafts. In 2013, he joined the Local 44 office as an Assistant Business Agent (BA), starting a new chapter in his career.
As an Assistant Business Agent Tobey expanded his knowledge by completing Labor Studies courses at Los Angeles Trade Tech and attending the IATSE Officers Institute training program. During his time in this role, he focused on protecting the interests of Local 44’s affiliated crafts. He fielded hundreds of member calls and filed grievances against production companies for employing non-members (PAs) in positions traditionally held by Local 44 members. He also closely monitored commercial productions, resolving cases where non-members, including members of other IA Locals, performed work under Local 44's jurisdiction. Through his proactive and solutions-driven approach, Tobey made a significant impact in the industry.
Tobey’s dedication and hands-on advocacy earned him a reputation as one of the most accessible and active representatives among Local 44 members, both on set and in studios throughout Los Angeles. In 2019, Tobey was elected Business Agent and sworn into the position in June. He immediately focused on expanding skills training programs for members across all crafts to support professional growth. He strengthened the Business Agent’s office by adding five Business Representatives to improve field representation and introduced an Organizer to support Local 44’s and the IATSE West Coast Office’s efforts to recruit new members.
For more information on Tobey’s accomplishments as Business Agent, see