On November 9, 1993, a disparate group of Northern California live broadcast production technicians, expressing their frustration with poor wages, as well as subpar treatment and conditions, refused to staff a live production, effectively shutting it down. With this action, the Bay Area Freelancers Association (BAFA) was born and eventually led to its first collective bargaining agreement.
On April 1, 2002, BAFA affiliated with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), choosing 119 as its Local number in homage to the November 9 (11-9), 1993 event that led to its original formation.
IATSE 119 now represents nearly 250 technicians in both the Bay Area and Sacramento markets, providing workers to signatory employers for live events throughout Northern California.