Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1152338
20 From left: Jennifer Winslow, Devendra Cleary CAS, Chris Howland CAS, Joe Aredas, and Scott Bernard I was honored to attend my first IATSE District 2 Convention and represent Local 695. I was impressed by the solidarity in the room, and that despite our differences, we all came together to meet for a common goal. The five delegates from 695 sat front and center, right next to the microphone! (Thanks to Scott Bernard.) We were all welcomed with a traditional Hawaiian blessing, and then the serious business began. The first speaker was Art Pulaski, Executive Secretary- Treasurer, California Federation of Labor, who spoke on multiple assembly bills and how they could affect workers. One is aimed at dismantling the less-than-minimum-wage "gig economy." He summarized Assembly Bill AB 5 and State Bill SB 271. Two potential laws that will help laborers, especially in this economy. Erika Dinkel-Smith was another impressive speaker, a lobbyist for the IATSE in Washington, D.C. She spoke about the Political Action Committee (PAC) and the importance of their work on Capitol Hill. She was dynamic and passionate about her role and position and, in my opinion, we are lucky she is part of our team. During this three-day Convention, all of the speakers stressed the importance of strong labor unions, urging members and their leaders to continue pushing forward with our political involvement. There was a timely speech by Malia Arrington, who talked about all forms of harassment, not just sexual harassment in the workplace. She informed us of steps being taken by "The Hollywood Commission," spearheaded by Kathleen Kennedy and chaired by Anita Hill, to devise a protocol to replace the current gaps in protection of those who fall into this category. She reported that due to the "fluid nature" of our business, there isn't a real protocol. There is a new "Report and Response System" being put in place industry-wide. Melia stated for there to be true safety from harassment in the workplace, a code of conduct, training, education, and practices are essential. She stressed that "Systematic Cultural Change" takes time, however, this is a strong beginning and serious steps are being taken to protect workers in all aspects of the industry. Her speech was pretty heavy stuff, but ultimately, by continuing the discussion, we will all be able to recognize bad behavior when it happens, and step in to stop it before it causes any harm, as in the past. At the end of the day, I was filled with information and exhausted. On Day 2, IATSE President Matt Loeb took to the podium, you could hear a pin drop! He updated us on the work the International is doing in Washington, D.C., on behalf of labor, which is too extensive to elaborate in this column. I was placed on the Resolutions Committee, to suggest new resolutions for the IATSE to implement. We were a group of about thirty-five, where we discussed, and then our committee voted on thirteen resolutions. We passed most of the resolutions, combining two and sending one back to the drawing board. One of them was creating gender neutral language in the Constitution, and another was on healthcare; educating members about their health plans. After this long day, we were treated to a fabulous luau at The Royal Hawaiian Garden, generously put together by our sisters and brothers of Hawaii Local 665. I got to try some new (to me) Hawaiian food, chat with fellow delegates, hear great live music, and see Polynesian fire dancers. But the most fun was watching our leaders try to hula. Scott and Joe were great sports! Overall, the camaraderie and unity of the delegates from four very different states that comprised District 2 was remarkable. The powerful messages and the goals of this Convention will not be forgotten. We came together, in solidarity to empower workers and continue the fight to make unions stronger, especially in this anti-labor political climate. The District 2 Convention was such a memorable and valuable experience for me personally, as a Local 695 member, an Officer of our Board of Directors, and as a Trustee. I definitely feel that my participation at the Convention has helped me to become a better leader and increased my ability to serve the membership. I would urge every member to run as a delegate and attend a District 2 Convention. Attending the 75th Annual District 2 Convention by Jennifer Winslow