Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/309120
54 CINEMONTAGE / MAY-JUN 14 and ears therein. Whether by explaining to non-member colleagues the advantages of Guild representation, discreetly placing a confidential call to the union's organizing staff, or lending support to co-workers seeking to organize, members working non-union jobs have critical roles to play in bringing more of the industry's work up to the standards our contracts set. Often I hear members who work in predominantly non-union sectors of the industry — post facilities or reality TV, for example — complain that there aren't enough union jobs. They're absolutely right; we need more union jobs, especially in those areas of the industry in which we've historically had less presence. But those members who complain about the lack of union work without taking any steps to unionize their non-signatory employers are effectively complicit in the problem they criticize. When a group of employees win a union contract at a previously non-union employer, folks tend to say the job was "flipped," in the casual parlance of our industry. But the verb "flip" suggests that the action is instantaneous and easy, like tossing a coin or turning over a pancake. In fact, forging the solidarity requisite to unionize an employer can be slow-going and difficult work; it can demand mettle forged with an anvil, not flipped with a spatula. Unionization happens neither spontaneously nor effortlessly. Most non- signatory employers will agree to sign a contract only after their employees — union members and non-members alike — have decided that a contract is worth the work of organizing. To return to the prospective new member whose question prompted these reflections, here is my answer: Yes, as a member, you can accept non-union jobs. But with the freedom to accept non-union employment comes a responsibility to assist efforts to expand union employment. Contact an organizer about your non-union gig. Talk to co-workers about what makes union jobs better. If an organizing effort gets underway, come to meetings and sign a union authorization card when asked. The freedom to take non-union work is good. But even better would be the freedom from needing to take non-union work. Only through members doing their part as Guild ambassadors to non-union workplaces will we achieve that more important freedom. f Inclusive CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 Often I hear members complain that there aren't enough union jobs. They're absolutely right, especially in those areas of the industry in which we've historically had less presence. CineMontage_May-Jun_14-3a.indd 54 4/15/14 3:26 PM