Newsletter - IATSE Local 720

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October 2016 • Vol. 34
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October, 2016 • Vol. 34
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October, 2016 • Vol. 34
President’s Report
Jerry Helmuth
I would like to thank the membership for the vote of confidence
given to me this last election. To run unopposed is a great honor,
and I will strive every day to represent the membership of our
Local with dignity and wisdom. (Well, that wisdom part, I’m
working on it, okay?)
There is good news. Negotiations are happening, work is
increasing, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Probably a
MAC 2k. We as a group, and I include the entire membership,
continue to move our Local forward. We are all responsible for
what we are and how we are perceived. Let us be known as
professional, knowledgeable and courteous. Let our reputation
shine, and when you come across someone tarnishing it, set them
straight.
Part of my job is not too visible to you, but everyone should know
about it. We are part of the labor community in Nevada and as
such we work in tandem with other unions and the AFL-CIO on
political issues. It is crucial that some people a little more laborfriendly get elected to the state legislature than last session. We all
work toward this goal. The Nevada legislature meets every two
years, and we are feeling the effects of the anti-union legislation
passed during the last session. It’s already hard enough dealing
with right-to-work shackles and chains, and I don’t mean deck
chains. Our political reality requires that we maintain constant
vigilance, so one of the less visible things we do is precisely that.
I want to publically thank a couple people who are invaluable in
helping me in this: BJ Thomas and Randy Soltero.
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President’s Report (continued)
Jerry Helmuth
BJ Thomas has been around so long, if we had a Local 720 Mount
Rushmore, he would be on it. BJ knows every political player in
the state, and his depth of experience and knowledge continually
amazes me. He knows how to work a room, and I’ve been in the
room to see it.
Randy Soltero is our organizer/political maven. These things
are interwoven. Randy brings years of political and organizing
experience to the table. He too seemingly knows everyone in
state politics, and these contacts have served us very well. He is
indispensable to our political action.
I rely on both these people to help me navigate the Byzantine
political realities we find ourselves a part of. Like I said, most of
you might never see these guys in action, might never see what we
do in the political world, but it affects all of us on a daily basis.
Speaking of politics, I had an entire piece ready to browbeat
everyone into voting for the candidates I think you should all vote
for. It was brought to my attention that this was an imperious
and unbecoming thing, and I was advised to ease up. Pretty good
advice, I think. So all I will say is this: Vote pro-union. Vote prounion!
Stay strong.
Jerry Helmuth
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October, 2016 • Vol. 34
Dear Brother and Sisters,
Below is a list of individuals who continue to work out of IATSE Local 720 for the past three years.
The individuals listed have not sought membership and are considered yellow card referents. As our
internal organizing drive continues to be in full swing, I urge each and every member to lend a helping
hand and answer questions with regards to membership and the importance of VOICE & VOTE .
We have to welcome these individuals with open arms and kindness.
Strength in numbers is key to keeping our Union strong.
I thank you for your continued help in this battle.
Aarness, Belinda Marie
Abdu-Noor, Nadir Gino
Adcock, Joshua James
Aganon, Kelsey Jordan
Aguayo, Eric Aaron
Akishin, Aleksey
Alba, Alexandro
Albano, Robert
Allgood, Ebun Z
Allison, Donovan S
Alumbaugh, Robert Alan
Alvarez, Paul Victor
Amie, Tyrone D
Ancog, Daniel A.
Anselmo, Lorenzo A.
Aronoff, Lewis J.
Arriola Jr., Marco A.
Austin, Christopher J
Avendano, Ramiro M.
Aviles, Juan A
Aytch, Martinez Smith
Baer, Justin M
Bailey, Ruth E
Bandbaz, Massoud
Barber, Timothy Latwain
Barbish, Allan M
Barhydt, Gary G
Barnett, Jesse James
Barnum, Scottilyn
Bashant, Brian Mathew
Baskin, Chris Antione
Becerra, Matthew
Bell, Charles William
Bell, Kody Richard
Belmonte, Kelly J
Benson, Laurie Ann
Bermudez, Melissa J
Berry, Darryl M
Berry, Namon L.
Bersenev, Dmitry
Bex, Jr., Christopher
Big Mountain, Nathaly
Birtas, John
Blackwell, Shirley Antia
Blair, Hadley Midge
Blanche, Don R
Blandino, Brett Joseph
Bliss, Jason M
Bocharov, Oleg V
Bogulia, Oleksandr
Bolden, Terry
Bond, Phyllis Dale
Bondar, Oleksandr
Boone, Dana
Bourn, Anthony
Braun, Bradley Thomas
Bray, Kerry F
Brooks, Michael
Brown, Cathleen Ann
Brown, Henry Louis
Brown, Jomo Kenyatta
Bryant, Richard Patrick
Bullis, Jesse Lee
Bullock, Steven John
Burney, Kenneth Shawn
Callahan, John V
Cannata, Aaron Richard
Capaldi, Russ Peter
Capuano, Roseanna M.
Capucci, Christian James
Cardenas, Dyango
Carle, Brad P
Carter, Marlon D
Caseman, Michael David
Castaneda, Frances "Kiki"
Ann
Castillo, Eric
Chaikowsky, William Kristopher (Kris)
Chandler, Rory Todd
Chico, Michael Ceasar
Christon, Shawn Michael
Cipriaso, Christina Marie
Clark, Ryan Thomas
Clay, Nathan A
Cobb, Paul M
Cochran, Charles D.
Cole, Mike G.
Coleman, Patricia M.
Collins, Richard David
Connolly, Shawn A
Cook, Joclyn Kerie
Cook, Joseph Anthony
Cook, Rudolfo "Rudy"
Cook, Shawn M
Cooper, Michael T.
Corbett, Ginger
Cordova, Carlos Alvaro
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Costa, Carmen "Frank"
Cotton, Paul Steven
Cottrell, Paul Hamilton (Jr)
Cray, Jeromy A.
Cromer, David R
Cromley, Brian
Cross, Kevin Tal
Curtis, Christopher Ray
Curtis, Justin Allen
D'ambrosia, James Vincent (Sr.)
Dameron, William Taylor
Daniels, Carl Oneal
Daugherty, Timothy Lee
Davis, Aaron Phillip
Davis, Allan P
Davis, Craig T. ("Tc")
Dawson, Guy
De Varea, Gus
Delarosa, Judith
Deramus, Scott F
Desrosiers, Michael
Dewey, Allen
Diallo, Cherif
Diamond, Carrie L.
Diaz, Giovanni Jaime
Diaz, Ivan
Dieckman, Jeremiah
Diggs, David Louis
Dobiesz, Paul Anthony
Dockendorf, Ken A.
Dodds, Carol
Donohue, Christopher S
Doppen, Bryce John
Dougherty, Joseph J
Doyon, Andre Pierre
Dreyer, Justin Zboyan
Driggers, Justin Curtis
Druzbik, Matthew Peter
Dubois, Jeff R
Duke, James Charles
Duran, Joann
Durand, Sean M
Dyse, Alexander
Eagles, Jason L
El-Amin, Abdul R
Elorza, Carlos J
Engel, Gary
Escareno, Ruben
Esparza, Patricia
Evans, Lucas W
Evans, Michael J.
Farr, Jhon E.
Farrow, Randy Mark
Fazzino, Charles
Feeley, Joshua Conrad
Feeley, Paul Jacob
Ferguson, Steven R
Ferraiuolo, Michael A
Fierro, David A
Flowers, Michael J
Ford Jr., Larry Z.
Foresta, Tony T
Fox, Jerry
Frakes Jr., William R
Freitag, Coyote
Friedman, Kerri
Furniss, Marshall B
Gall, Kevin James
Gallegos, Jr., Juan
Gallegos, Robert Ray
Garcia, Cory S.
Garra, James Louis
Gatti, Robert D
Geitka, David
Gerbracht, Matthew Alfred
Gertz Iii, Charles B
Gibbs, Jr., Tarrance R
Gibbs, Mark
Giles, Sequoia Z.
Gilliam, Antoine L
Giorgio, Krassin G.
Gomez, Edward
Gonthier, Mathias Yann
Gonzalez, Joseph (Joey)
Gonzalez, Samuel I.
Graham, Michael A.
Gray, Kody Del
Gray, Richard D
Greenbey, Marcus J.
Grillo, Joshua Michael
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Grimsley, Troy
Grosz, Forrest Reigh
Hall, Michael Patrick
Hall, Ryan Christopher
Hanlon II, Ronnie Gene
Hanlon, Ronnie Gene
Hansen, Jon P
Hanson, Joshua
Hanson, Justin R
Harkey, Joseph Daniel
Harrett, Cody J.
Harris, Christopher Mark
Harris, Everett Anthony
Haugabook, Sr., Ismail D
Hauk Jr., Leo Paul
Hawkins, Jerome E
Hayes, Jason L
Heinreich, Justin C.
Hendry, Brian John
Hernandez, Gabriel
Hernandez, Jobe G
Hess-Huguet, Austen C
Hibbert, Jason Arthur
Higgins, John
Higgins, Jovan Maurice
Holmes, Joel J
Honrubia, Leonardo
Horvath, Jeremy
Hubbell, Nathan Alexander
Hubby, Brian Kevin
Hunter, Vincent Trent
Hurtado, Ahleana Genesis
Hylton, Bonnie Kay
James, Xavier Lamont
Jane, Joshua P.
Jax, Robert
Jefferson, Mark C
Johnson, David A.
Johnson, Derek D
Johnston, Jeff "Biff"
Jones, Alexander J
Jones, Clarence Edward
Jones, Justin Dean
Jones, Leslie Larue
Jung, Eric Woojeong
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Kamahele, John K
Kambouris, James Ray
Kaminsky, Denise Ann
Karasik, Samuel Benjamin
Kauffman, Ben A
Kawamoto, Alvin Akio
Keene, Kyle J.
Kellum, Gabriel Dias
Kelly, James K.
Kenne, Paul Matthew
Kidd, Stanley Allen
Kingry, Alex M.
Kirby, Robert H
Kissner, Max Alfonso
Kitts, Charles Thomas
Koss, Steven T Grant
Kreider, Craig M.
Kuch, Tyler J.
Kutsov, Andrey Miklailovich
Kuzmin, Yevgen
Landers, Patrick Charles
Landin, Marco A
Lawson, Floyd D.
Layne, Steven
Ledane, Jay
Lee, Stacy Korrell
Levy, Andrew Derek
Lewis, Stetson Cole
Lindholm, David Todd
Lindsey, Austin James
Loesch, Adam Trevor
Lohse, Jay B
Louros, John Steven
Luke, Peter D.
Lund, Tait
Lundby, Michael Tyler
Lunsford, Jeffrey Brandon
Macke, Sean A.
Maltman, Zachary T.
Manning, Bernie W.
Mano, Savena
Marcelle, Joy I.
Markley, Iii, Melvin
Marquez, Jr., Eugenio
Martin, William Alexander
Martinez, Francisco
Martinez, Reyna
Martinez, Robert
Marty, Thomas Owen
Mathis, Johnathan L
Matinata, Nicholas
McAteer, III, David Crockett
Mccoy, Sean
Mcdevitt, Anthony James
Mcdonald, Sr., Terell Sean
Mcelroy, David A
Mcguire, Gregory L.
Mckenna, Michael
Mcnerney, Daniel R
Meeks, Nathaniel J
Mendez, Jesus
Mendoza, Luis Humberto
Mercer, Albert Leo
Meyer, Brian A
Meyer, Courtney Nicole
Mildon, Ryan
Miller, Andrew Robert
Milner, Aaron Jeffrey
Mingazov, Ilya R.
Montoya, Demetrio S
Moore, Michael
Morales, Omar Leonel
Morataya Jr., Edwin A
Moreno Jr., Osiris A.
Morgan, Matthew Mark
Morse, Sean
Moss, Adam K.
Muhammad, Jr., Shamsiddin
Mukaide, Kiyomi
Munguia, Aura M
Murphy, Jonathan Stephen
Murray, Darius E.
Naas, Brian Dale
Nash, Graham S
Nazarova, Marina A.
Neisch, Donya Marie
Nelson, Darryl A
Nelson, Ron
Neuman, Thomas Edward
Newman, Curtis
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Newman, Jr, E. Scott
Newton, Lance L
Noble, Jonathan T.
Nordin, Dennis Lee
Nutting, David Harold
O'keefe, Timothy Robert
Olloque, Ronnie
Orona, Robert J
Osinski, Anthony Edward
Owens, Mel
Padua, Karl K
Pagan, Tyisha
Pagani, Simon Joseph
Palcisko, Craig Edward
Parkes, Jeffery Allan
Patrick, Jason Michael
Pavlovics, Alfons (Alex)
Paxton, Joshua W
Payne, Brian Manning
Payne, Lance (Jack)
Peele, Andrew Erick
Pellegrini, Jean L.
Phillips, Latosha
Phillips, Robert "Rj" W
Pickett, Keith Martin
Pierce, Brandon Richard
Pintar, Justin Michael
Pollard, Michael Dudley
Popov, Acen
Porter, Robert Bernard
Poulsen, Azzie
Prichard, Kenneth
Prows, Paul R
Pruitt, Rodney
Purciful, Alexia K
Purciful, Len A
Purciful, Patrick G
Pylypenko, Oleksandr
Quam, Randall Scott
Ramsdell, Sydney Anna
Ravetti, Nicholas Ryan
Ray Iv, John G.
Reaves, Kimberly A.
Regan, Jason L.
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Reyes, George Luis
Rish, Nathan J.
Rittgers, Robert T
Ritz, Tristen Anthony
Roberts, Paul E
Roberts, Timothy Shane
Robertson, Ronald Glenn
Robinson Sr., Ronnie J
Robinson, James N
Robustelli, Vincent Lucian
Rodriguez, Dago Ivan
Rogers, Jr., Leroy
Rosal, Daniela Andrea
Ross, Kevin Wayne
Rossetti-Busa, Heulwen
Rowland, Kyle T
Roybal, Joseph Danniel
Ruggerio, Lee R.
Ryan, Jason Michael
Sampson, Ericca Irene
Sanchez, Daniel Aguileo
Sanchez, Josep
Sandoval, Damian
Santiago, Valentino Luis
Schneider, Ii, Norman V
Schuder, Iii, Rob M
Schuerman, Jeffrey Louis
Scillia, Joseph
Sheets, Amanda Nicole
Shepherd, Joshua
Sill, Curtis Craig
Simieou, Malcolm Jermaine
Simone, Susan
Smart, Sr., Robert F.
Smith Ii, Ronald Allen
Smith, Merrill P
Smith, Michael L
Smith, Pamela Sue
Smith, Peter T.
Smith, Phillip C
Snow, Brian H
Soroutchan, Peter
Spencer, Austin Alexander
Sprout, Demian
Squires, Elizabeth (Betsy) Ann
Staite, Kyle Daniel
Stanek, Sean
Steimer, Sabastien P
Stephens, Melanie Rose
Stingel, George R
Stipp (Gruda), Perla
Stollman, Eden Jay
Stransky, Jordin Chelan
Stuart, Roy Victor
Stuewe, Judith Ann
Swagert, Curtis
Taber, Kenneth N.
Tasker, Eric Matthew
Taton, Cameron K.
Tavalsky, Michael P
Taylor, Jeffrey James
Taylor, Jr, Robert W
Tessanne, James
Theodore, Steven
Fraternally, Ron Poveromo
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Thomas, Joe
Thomas, Terrance Tirrell
Thomas, Tremon Derell
Thompson, Montai R.
Tucker, Tim G
Umbel, Chad William
Umbel, Kevin Clayton
Valletti, Steven Paul
Van Solkema, Benjamin
Varchulik, Frank A
Vargas, Matthew H.
Velasquez, Gary E
Walker, Willie
Waller, Michael S
Walls, Jamey Scott
Webb, Durrel D.
Weiner, Bruce
Weiss, Paul Victor
White, Brandon Scott
Whitney, Robert William
Williams, Dequan Jontel
Williams, Edward Bolden
Wilson, Eric Paul
Wilson, Kenneth Francis
Wilson, Kevin Alan
Wise, William J
Wolf, Matthew Ian
Woods, James Allen
Wright III, Johnny
Wright, Richard E
Yiatras, Cheryl
Young, Paul Wayne
Zilio, Marty Rino
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October, 2016 • Vol. 34
From John T. Gorey
Business Representative
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for allowing my Team and myself to
continue on to serve you and this great Local. I am deeply humbled and honored. As for
those who know me personally you know this Stagehand is truly grateful. I thank you again
and will not let you down. I look forward to our future and the possibilities ahead of us.
When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this:
You haven’t. — Thomas A. Edison
In Solidarity,
Business Representative, John T. Gorey
From Apple Thorne
Business Agent
I’d like to take a moment of your time to discuss the idea of calling in your work… This
year has been rough for theater in our town with the close of Jubilee, Jersey Boys, Raiding
the Rock Vault, and several more shows, but we have a good number of shows going up
non-union as well. Producers are always looking to save a buck and a quick way to do that
is to avoid the union with the benefit packages that we demand for our workers. The way
to overcome this and to avoid this town’s showrooms continuing a race to the bottom
economically is to report your work to the Business Agent’s office and request recognition of
the union in your showroom.
Rock of Ages, La Reve, Zumanity, Ka, MJ One, Love, Mystere, and Britney Spears are some
of the non-union shows where our members have reported working, but those few workers
cannot stand alone. Help each other out. If you are working non-union in a showroom, you
may be surprised how many of your brothers and sisters are in that same room and keeping
their head down and mouth shut to avoid scrutiny from management. A call to the hall
allows you to keep your anonymity and allows us to find the members working there and
start the process of representing you on that job.
Apple Thorne
Business Agent
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October, 2016 • Vol. 34
From Enrico Grippo
Business Agent
We continue with a strong convention season or should I say our convention season
continues to expand. Mining will start loading in around the 19th of September at the
LVCC for GES. G2E will be at the Sands towards the end of the month. As we move towards
October there is the Baking Show followed by LDI, SEMA, Motor Trend Auto Show, CES, and
then World of Concrete Expo and NAB, all at the LVCC. That does not address the amount
of work in the Sands and Mandalay Bay. Not to mention the increase of work generated by
the expansion of Encore into all MGM convention areas. Work is looking good but we have
to do our part. Please get a 720 ID badge if you do not already have one. Always wear
your ID on the job. Find a better clip or lanyard if need be, stop making excuses, do it when
you pick up a check, it only takes a few minutes. At the LVCC and many Hotels you might
find yourself 86’ed from the property if you don’t display your 720 ID. Hotels are requesting
more and more that workers wear their badges while on property!
Next on the list is; keep records of your work hours. Include days worked, who the
employer is and position worked. Know your contracts! Help me help you. I get a lot of
complaints about contract violation. Upon research I find that many complaints about
violations are not relevant to the current CBA. I am willing to set up times to meet with
Members to review any contract and kick the can. If you want a particle CBA, come see
me. Know your rights, such as “Weingarten”. Although this is not the “Golden Shield of
Protection”, you should understand how the law works.
Contact your Steward or me if you have questions. We must do a better job on show
sight at recognizing when our work is being performed by other parties and not 720. If you
see something, say something, let your steward or me know so it can be addressed timely
and properly. Thank you to those who are already doing this and those who are not, start!
Dress properly, be on time and bring your tools. Parking sucks so plan accordingly. Make
and take pride in your Union. Be Union Strong and get involved.
Enrico Grippo – BA 720
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October, 2016 • Vol. 34
From Phil Jaynes
Business Agent
Interesting story. A couple of weeks ago I was in a meeting with one of our signatory
companies. The meeting was basically to find out if there was anything we could do, as a
Union, to better our relationship with this company. The reply surprised me.
“You can stop your people from working for non-union companies”. The reason this
surprised me was because I never looked at this issue through Managements eyes. These
Managers understood that there was nothing we could do. So they told us how they were
dealing with it. It was very simple.
If you work for them and they see you working non-union, they will never use you again.
Think about it the next time Labor Plus, Rhino, ELF, 3G, etc. calls you for a job. Think about all
the Account Execs that bid on that same job that were under cut because of your cheap labor.
Think about all the people on management’s side that never thought about using this tactic to
deal with non-union companies. Think about the little seed that this article is going to plant in
their brains. Then ask yourself, is it really worth it to me to take that non-union job? Everyone
makes their own choices; the key is to make the right choices.
Phil Jaynes
Business Agent
Spotlight on Organizing!
Randy Soltero - Organizer
Here at Local 720 we have over 1400 members in good standing paying their stamps and
referral fees. There are also many members who have been expelled and a number of “referents”
who have never been a member at all! This has got to change!
We continue to engage in internal organizing efforts to bring all referents in to membership.
The reality is that most of our members find themselves working side by side with non-member
referents every day! You may have seen me on the floor at different properties or maybe
backstage in one of the houses. I have been reaching out to those referents with information on
how to member up! I have also been contacting expelled members with the same message!
The general election for state and federal legislative offices is November 8th. It is important
that everyone get out and vote for those legislators who support working families. You will
be receiving an email soon with the list of Local 720 Endorsed Candidates. If you or a family
member are not registered to vote, you can pick up a voter registration form here at the hall.
Randy Soltero - Organizer
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October, 2016 • Vol. 34
Greetings Sisters and Brothers,
I hope all went well with you and your families this past summer. While many of you
understand the process to pass or submit a change in our Constitution and Bylaws, there
are those that do not. Understand, anyone who is a member in good standing can submit
a change or addition. There is a bit of a process as to how and I can always be contacted
for assistance. Keep in mind that it must be submitted and signed by no less than three
others who agree to the change. Once you are ready, copies are submitted to the SecretaryTreasurer, who then submits the change to the 2nd VP and the International for review
from the president. The International then sends it back to our local, and that confirmation,
if approved will be handed off to the Second Vice President once again. There will be no
discussion within the Executive Board on the matter.
I then form a committee of your peers to discuss with those who wrote the change and
then the committee among themselves discusses what the outcome could be for the
membership. Once that is done we present it with the committee’s opinion for you, the
membership, to vote on. Whew, that’s a lot and a long process, but allows you to understand
the whys or why not for the change before you vote.
I also wanted to touch quickly on a misunderstanding I hear about and see posted all
to often on social media about the executive board. There are those that spread to many
untrue facts about the duties of the board. We (from the 1st VP down to the member at large
reps) are there and volunteer weekly to represent you, the membership, so the machine can
function. Rather than listing the rumors or hearsay, reach out to your board members and
express your concerns via e-mail or just having a chat, doing so on social media is not the
way keep our business to ourselves. This past year with the board changes I must say the
machine is running much better than in years past and very transparent.
The doors are not closed as you have felt in the past, they are wide open, we are going
forward and getting stronger with the effort of our young workers and others, with the
solidarity that finds many of you coming together, working together, stronger.
It’s a pleasure being your 2nd VP for the past nine years, and l looking forward to the
next wave.
Be safe out there, work smart, work hard, and stand up for your work.
In Solidarity,
Larry Robbins
2nd Vice-President
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October, 2016 • Vol. 34
Craft III Report - Film & Television
Employees - Aug 11, 2016
By Craig Michie, Craft III Representative - Film and Television Employees
Dear Craft III Members - Film & Television Employees and Members of Local 720,
This Report details the IATSE District 2 Convention in San Diego, California August 5 thru August 7, which I
attended as the Local 720 Craft III Representative.
The landscape of our work continues to change here in Southern Nevada. As the Arenas and Stadium talks
continue, and the prospects of new Leagues or Teams coming into the Valley increase, so does the likelihood of
an increase in Broadcast Television work. This may still be several years ahead of us from a practical standpoint,
but our ability to be the “Go to Labor Source” will be dependent upon many factors including our own ability to
supply the Highly Qualified Technicians that these Broadcast Crews require. So it is very important that we begin
to think ahead and plan for these opportunities and gain support.
Internally we need to address the level of local work that is available within this Scope of Work, and what
amount is being done under contract. We must address the need to bring in the Technicians that are already
doing this work now which are not a part of our own Membership. We need to be positioned as the Labor
Supplier of Choice for this Scope of Work and have all the elements in place that allow us to put this work under
Contract.
The IA is very aware of all the changes taking place, but it is up to Local to be in position to take advantage of
the opportunity when it happens. We are working now to get the IA to help and assist us, but this effort will also
require all of us in the Craft and in the Local to help in the process. It’s about “Organizing,” and the message here
is about Our Market Share, our ability to bring the Technicians that are already doing this work into the Local, and
our skill and ability to put this Scope of Work Under Contract… It’s just that simple!
To accomplish this objective the entire Local Membership is Critical! We will not be able to position ourselves
properly without the help and assistance from our Members! We need to have all of our Members call in their
Work that is not under contract so that we can look at existing Organizing opportunities. We must also look to
the Members to help Identify the Key Qualified Professionals that are already doing this work that are not in our
system or Members. If you have questions about this, Please contact JT or myself.
President Loeb outlined the activity that has taken place over the last year. This included the many changes
that have taken place in Education and Training, as well as the efforts in Organizing. Unlike almost every other
Union in the country, the IATSE continues to Grow in Membership and Jurisdiction year after year! That is Huge!
But Why IATSE?
Our Scope of Work is active, under constant change and in very high demand. We were given a short review
of our IATSE History which outlined our Challenges and Fights of the past. The reoccurring “Theme” despite the
perceived hardships was that the IATSE is historically advancing and progressive in the area of Organizing. This
has been “Key” to our continued success and growth, and this must continue to keep our Union and Future
Strong and at the Leading Edge of the Industry. This all comes from Our Own Members!
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Craft III Report - Film & Television
Employees - Aug 11, 2016 (cont.)
Every Local that is moving forward has an Engaged and Active Membership that is doing the “Basics” of
Organizing. Calling in their Work, Speaking Favorably about the Union, Encouraging Non-Members to Join, and
helping the Unorganized to make contact with the Union Organizers. All of these things help to advance the
Labor Movement, and that is what we need to be doing every day! Getting Cards Signed is the Key to Real Action!
Over the last year, the Training that I have received has made it clear about the necessary process to Build Our
Union, and the D2 convention speaks to it as well, the One on One Conversations that Our Members have with
Others that leads someone to get involved is the Foundation of Building Our Own Union! As I think about my
own experience, this is how it happened to me, but it seems that it’s easy to forget the simple things at times.
That is why we state and raise this obvious question… How did you get started and what was it that made
you Join Our Union? When was the last time you encouraged someone else to consider Joining Our Union or to
look into working under a Collective Bargaining Contract? This is where the whole Building Process begins, but
it All Begins with You… We Need YOU! Our Strength come from Our Members, and here is the reason why…
President Loeb began his address to the D2 Convention with a review on the Four Pillars of Success Leadership, Skills & Training, Activism and Communications as all of these elements are “Key” to our ability to
be the very best Union in the entire Country. A new theme may emerge now which is… “We are Union to the
Core!” His main message had a focus on how Growth will bring us Strength! It’s important to “Represent the
People!”
In his address, President Loeb spoke about our Changing Industry, about “Our Work” and the need to “Go
and Get It Back!” He spoke about the area of Visual Effects and how this area represents… “How our Industry is
Changing,” and how it has affected us. How New Technology impacts our work and the Crafts and how we must
be looking for where the next new opportunities exist. New Training for Fiber Optics is one example of how we
must adapt our Skills to the changing environment. He also spoke about how Tax Incentives are now the Big
Drivers behind the Industry all across the country.
President Loeb also spoke about Professional Football, and how Football is coming back to LA, how this area
of Sports has created new Organizing opportunities for the IATSE.
College Sports Networks now have Contracts covering this Scope of Work, and there are additional
opportunities available in Baseball and Basketball. He also outlined that the Contracts that have been gained
by the IATSE in College Broadcast Sports across the country include the Big Ten and that talks will continue with
the PAC 12. He also spoke about the current War with the Golf Channel NBC/Comcast/Universal and the history
behind this specific story. This is a very important and active area of IATSE Organizing.
The IATSE has many activities in motion that are getting Results, and this is the main idea behind the Four
Pillars. Training in the Skills area and for the first time in the area if Leadership Training. Developing Good
Members for the Future, and Developing a Deep Bench to support that Future. The Creation of the Young
Workers Committee and now “after 120 Years in the Planning”… an IATSE Women’s Committee! IATSE is Growing!
We Must Be the BEST!! And this is why the commitment has been made to support and fund Leadership
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Craft III Report - Film & Television
Employees - Aug 11, 2016 (cont.)
Training, the IA Training Program, Craft Advancement Program, the IA Officers Institute, ETPC Certification
Training, Infocomm and Lynda.com opportunities. 2016 has seen New Training Classes and Opportunities so we
can Train to be the Best!
We then received a Political Message from Art Polaski, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the California Labor
Federation, that had a focus on the Political Issues facing Nevada. Art Polaski picked up on the theme of “Build
Your Power through Activism” and spoke about the “Political Crisis” in Nevada. He spoke to the D2 audience about
the last Mid-Term Election where Nevada had lost the Majority in both the Senate and the Assembly along with
having a Republican Governor. As a result, he has made a commitment to send 1000 Volunteers to help Nevada
out in this next election cycle in an effort to protect the Border State. This entire section of the presentation
caught me completely off guard and was shocking to say the least! To hear this presentation given about our
own state of Nevada was very sad, but they also failed to mention that we did not mount a fight either.
Next we heard from Erika Dinkel-Smith the Assistant Political/Legislative Director for the IA who spoke on the
Political Issues and Fall Out from Wisconsin, the issues with HB 2112 from Arizona which is about Independent
Contractors and directly impacts all of our Scope of Work. She spoke about the concern and “there is a Cost to
Inaction!” She made the point that… “if we are Not at the Table… We are On the Menu!” The bottom line was
this… Who are You?... If they Don’t Know You, if You Don’t Know Them… they Don’t Know Your Issues! You
need to be Active, You need to be Involved to Make Change! This was the last Guest Speaker as we returned to
the Regular Call of Business.
The District 2 Convention was an opportunity to have direct conversations with our other IATSE Local Leaders
and we actively worked to further our relationships for the future. We heard the message from President Loeb
and recognize the opportunity that is right in front of us for growing and expanding our reach within our
jurisdiction. Please, Call In all of your Work with Non Signatory Employers in Our Jurisdiction. As Union Members
you do have an absolute obligation to support and assist our local with this critical part of our organizing
process. To call in your Work, Please Call the Business Representatives Office at this Number… (702) 309-8052.
Thank You in advance for your participation. If you are working in other Jurisdictions, Please make sure that you
are coordinating your travel properly and carry the proper paperwork for presentation to other IA locals. If you
have additional questions or comments, please feel free to contact me or JT at any time.
Fraternally,
Craig Michie
Craft III Representative - Film and Television Employees
CraftIIIRep@aol.com
IATSE Local 720 - Las Vegas, Nevada - (702) 604-7290
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MONEY is Not Our Tool - Political Action Builds Our Union Culture!
Over the last 20 years I have watched and marveled over the political landscape and how
we, the Working Men and Women of Labor have Fought the Good Fight and WON!!
We have WON, despite even our Own Members Voting Against our Own Collective Best
Interest, because of their Own Personal Agendas. Oh Yes, we see it every day, all the
time on Facebook, in personal conversations, in the Actions they Take that Could Make a
Real Difference for All Working Men and Women. Nevertheless… We Fight On!!
We Fight On because we know that the "Right to this Opportunity" is also under Attack!
Our ability to be a Union Member exists within the Law. Our Legal Right to Collectively
Bargain is currently a part of the Law of the Land. And because of this Opportunity we
have the Right to Participate within a Democratically Run Organization and to Bargain
Collectively for the Terms and Conditions under which we work. This is All Fantastic!
Within the State of Nevada we have a Rich History supporting Labor and the Struggle of
Working Men and Women. Both our Past History and the Active Struggles of Today all
provide Lessons to be Learned about the Issues, the Parties, the Strategies, the Fights and
the Battles, and the ultimate Outcomes - both Wins and Losses. This One Point is True…
LABOR must do More with Less in Every Battle to WIN… and WE DO!! But WHY?
Because the Opposition, those that are always at the ready to drive us back, have Money!
…and Money is NOT OUR TOOL! OUR TOOL IS OUR SWEAT EQUITY!!
We WIN and LOSE completely on the Energy and Activity Driven from the Collective
Activity of the Base of Working Men and Women… and that is UNION LABOR!!
The Election of 2014 has taught Nevada a Lesson, and in response they have a Slogan…
"NEVER AGAIN!"
"Working Families Matter!"
We now are confronted with an Election Unlike Any We have Ever Seen Before - Yikes!
And in typical fashion we see division among the Membership on the Candidates. Again,
as in All Elections it will come down to the VOTE! YOUR VOTE!! What will You Do?
What will We Do as a UNION to Support Our Existence? Our Rights? Our Own Fight?
The Amazing Thing about that UNION Membership, the Democratic Process of Voting,
It's All in the Hands of the UNION Member, In the Actions of the UNION Member and
their Attendance in Meetings, Committees, Fundraising, Supporting Charity and in their
Participation in VOTING and UNION Activism!! One of the IATSE Pillars of Success!
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Union Activism is a Key Component to Building Strength As a Union, and In the Union!
The Public Perception and Understanding of the Strength of a Union comes from All the
Power and Strength gained through Collective Union Actions and Our Political Activism.
But we are Not Alone in this Good Fight… We ALL travel a Path to Union Membership!
Yes, the Unorganized, the Non-Member also has an Equal and Powerful VOTE as Well!
They too are looking for Fairness and Justice in the Workplace, they too are looking for a
Better Life for their Family. What they See and Hear from Us has an Impact… Oh Yes!!
Every Day we make an Impression On Others that Provides a Pathway, or Builds a Wall!
It's not just Chaotic Activity or Predestination, it is a Perception of Actions and Voice…
What You Do and What You Say… Other are always Watching, Learning and Thinking.
Our Democratic Union Process lets me share this very communication with you, and for
that I am most grateful and privileged. As a Rank and File Member and as an Officer of
the Union, I have both an Obligation and Understanding of the Challenge at the Job Site
and of the Machinery that Drives Our Collective Bargaining Process. Every Day we all
have an Opportunity to Make a Difference, to Make Things Better, or to Move Forward.
It can be as simple as just a little thing, that with continued support and effort becomes a
Huge WIN… but It ALL Begins With US!! With YOU, NONE of US Do It ALONE!
So, Here is the ASK… How About You? What Will YOU DO… this Time, this Year?
The Election, THIS Election… is a part of Our Process of UNION Activism! So VOTE!
Not Registered, Get Registered… It's Easy!! Got Questions, Contact Me for Answers!
Want to Support LABOR and Our Way of LIFE as UNION Members, VOTE 4 LABOR!
Need Guidance or Understanding, have Questions… Simple…Contact Me for Answers!
Want to Do More? Want to take Your Participation to a New Level… Member or Not…
the Fight for Working Men and Women Serves us All… Injured Workers Need Help!!
Culinary is making Excellent Progress… they Need Help… YES, We Need Help Too!!
Come On Aboard and Enjoy Your Full Union Membership Experience and Life Journey!
Not a Member? Let us Help You Organize Your Workplace… Contact us for Answers!
Fraternally,
Craig Michie
Craig Michie
IATSE Local 720
Craft III Representative - Film & Television Employees
Las Vegas, Nevada
CraftIIIRep@aol.com
Cell (702) 604-7290
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AGENDA
REGULAR GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Date & Time:
Location:
•
Thursday October 27, 2016 at 12:00 noon
Local 720 Union Hall - 3000 S. Valley View Blvd.
Pre-Meeting: New Member Swear-in
This meeting agenda shall be in the following order, but shall not be limited to:
•
Call to Order
•
Roll Call of Officers
•
Reading of Minutes of Last Meeting
•
Financial Report
•
Business Representative’s Report
•
Committee Reports- Political Action, Training & Exam, Young Workers, Diversity.
•
Craft Division Reports
•
Unfinished Business
•
New Business
•
Good & Welfare
•
Meeting Close
Constitution & By-Laws requires fifteen (15) days notice to the membership for a Regular
General Membership meeting. Therefore it is possible that between the time this AGENDA
is mailed & received, other issues may arise that will, by necessity, be included in the
Agenda, even though they may not be referred to above.
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October, 2016 • Vol. 34
IATSE Local 720
Pictures
45
35
25
Friends Craig Michie and Dan Lovil
Dan Lovil - 45 year, Richard King - 35 year,
Tony Tortorich - 25 year service pins.
DiversityLocal
Committee720
IATSE
New Members
New members and sponsors
New member Zaida Barnum
New members Grady Randolph, Ann
Cruz, Colin Breslin, Kurtis Lopez,
Terry Bledsoe and Dan Arnold
New member Camille Fayson
New members Ed Stivers, Doran Atwood
Jr., Phil Kudzin, Jordan Grady, Charlie
Frank and Michael McDuffie
New member Daria Vail
New Local 720 members
IATSE Local 720
3000 S. Valley View Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89102
NON-PROFIT
US POSTAGE
PAID
LAS VEGAS, NV
PERMIT NO. 123
Local 720 showing Union Pride at this year’s Labor Day Parade in Virginia City.