This is a strange question, and it may not even have an answer, but the current Writers Guild of America strike made me think of it:
If you’ve ever looked at the credits of an American-made movie or TV show, chances are you’ve seen the logo of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes (no, that’s not a typo- “employees” is only spelled with one “e” in the union’s name), a large labor union which represents various behind-the-scenes operations. On some Canadian TV shows and movies I’ve seen, the logos of multiple IATSE locals, as well as the Canadian writers, directors, and other guilds, appear in the credits.
Why, then, in American film credits, does the IATSE get identification, whereas the WGA and other unions do not? Does it have something to do with the IATSE’s strength and power (I believe it is a very…I can’t find the right word…proud and hard-fighting? union) as juxtaposed with the other unions’ apathy? Or is it something else entirely?