Animation Guild | We are 839 Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/990677
SPRING/SUMMER 2018 5 L E T T E R Solidarity—what is it? It is nothing more, and nothing less, than the heart and soul of our union. Simply put, it is unity based on our shared interests, objectives, and standards. It is what ties us together, and where we derive our strength. When we stand together, we thrive together. Why do you stand with the Guild? Is it the heath care plan, and your ability to keep it without interruption betweens jobs? Is it the pension plan, so that your can earn a secure retirement? Is it the knowledge that the Guild's counsel is there for you when you need it? Whatever the reason, standing together makes us stronger when anti-labor interests endeavor to keep us apart. Most recently, a pro-employer verdict was handed down in the Supreme Court case Epic Systems vs. Lewis. The LA Times summarized the ruling, saying it "not only affirmed employers' ability to bind workers to arbitration, but it also expanded that power to include asking workers to waive the right to take collective action, even though such a right is protected by 1930s labor laws and 1960s civil rights measures. The court's majority ruled the arbitration law in this case overrides later labor laws." Meaning, workers with grievances over wages, harassment, abuse, or other unfair labor practices must press their cases alone, in a company- preferred arbitration, even if there are others with the same complaint. Ruth Bader Ginsburg dissented, saying that by joining their claims together in collective action, the employees can spread the costs of litigation, lessen fears of retaliation, and gain effective redress for wage underpayment: "When workers charge their employers with unlawful conduct—in this case, violations of laws governing wages earned and hours worked—there is strength in numbers." Strength gives protection indeed, as the article points out that "the decision is not likely to affect workers who belong to a union. For them, the union negotiates a contract, and it may represent them before an arbitrator." And so together, we have these hard-won securities. But more attacks on workers' rights are coming, and it is a negotiation year. On a macro level we must vote for those who are pro-labor, and on a micro level we must visibly demonstrate our unity. Help kick off TAG's show of solidarity leading into our negotiations! Pick up one of these cards from the Guild, fill it out, and post to social media. We want the producers and public to see what issues matter to YOU, and why our guild is worth fighting for! Remember to hashtag #WeAre839, #IATSE, and #Letsmakeadeal. "For the great doesn't happen through impulse alone, and is a succession of little things that are brought together... And the great isn't something accidental; it must be willed." – Vincent Van Gogh In solidarity, K.C. Johnson | President, The Animation Guild SHOW OFF YOUR SOLIDARITY! ON THE COVER Cosmo Segurson, photographed by Tim Sullens, places props on his stop motion set. Board member Ashley Long