Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1277606
6 • THE ARTISAN SUMMER 2020 Sisters, Brothers and Kin; 2020 has already been an unprecedented year. Our world is still facing a global pandemic that threatens our very existence. Our nation has been rocked by economic hardships, protests and demonstrations. Our industry is up against record unemployment, and we shall undergo a transformation in how we conduct the business of entertainment before a full return to work is possible. None of this comes with an instruction manual, and yet our Local has responded by offering immediate relief in dues payments for our members. Our union has lobbied Congress for additional unemployment benefits, has entered into extraordinary negotiations with our employers to assist our members with millions of dollars' worth of healthcare and loans (while safeguarding our pensions), and has joined with our fellow labor unions—Directors Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, and Teamsters—to write unparalleled health & safety measures that will expectantly keep our members safe in the "new normal" as a return to work occurs. All of this is unprecedented. 'Thank you' to our elected Officers, Board members, Committee Chairs and the dozens of dedicated members who have generously volunteered their time and skills to serve on the many committees that make our Local possible. Also, a special 'thank you' to the make-up artists and hair stylists who contributed to our Local 706 COVID Safety Task Force recommendations. VOTE November 3! Register now, research the issues, proposals and candidates—and VOTE! Black Lives Matter. Issues involving race resonate and echo in our society because the facts have never been openly acknowledged or settled. America has not dealt with its racist and violent past, and efforts have not been strong enough to affect positive change. Billie Holiday recorded "Strange Fruit" in 1939 protesting the lynching of black Americans, and little has changed in 80-plus years. However, with the killing of George Floyd on May 1 by the very persons sworn to serve and protect us, the entire nation acknowledged the facts, and the world has demanded change. It is time now to discuss race and bias based on ethnicity in our country. It is time now to discuss how race relates to hiring, casting, inclusion and representation in our industry, above the line—and below. It is time now to LOCAL PERSPECTIVE have meaningful discussions about this painful subject. Civil Rights are Human Rights. In 2008, the conversation was about same-sex marriage; many of our members reaped the benefits of those discussions and were able to legally wed their partners. Gay Rights are Human Rights. In 2018, the 'Times Up' and 'Me Too' movements exposed the misogyny and sexism in our industry; equal pay for women and workplace protections against harassment came to the forefront of those discussions, and our members now have much-needed harassment-prevention training. Women's Rights are Human Rights. Soon, the conversation will turn to other important matters that need our attention, but right now, the discussion needs to be about race and ethnicity— because we still have lots of work to do. Now. Black Lives Matter. Human Rights benefit us all. Inclusion. Diversity. Respect in the Workplace. The con- versation has started; change is coming. I know that we can foster and promote inclusion and respect in the workplace because this Local—perhaps more than any other—has affected change when it comes to gender: make-up artistry is no longer a male-dominated profession, and all hair styl- ists are no longer only female. We can all continue to make simple, meaningful and demonstrative changes in the way we crew our departments, treat our co-workers, and relate to others when we safely return to work. New beginnings are a great time for change. "You change the world when you change your mind…" It all starts with you. You are the union. Please enjoy your issue of The Artisan. Sincerely and fraternally, Randy Sayer BY RANDY SAYER Business Representative, I.A.T.S.E. Local 706 New beginnings are a great time for change. " " 7-21-94-0 75-68-67-90 80 70 70 100 10.2 7.4 7.4 100 100 100 100 100 60 100 100 70 70 30 30 100 100 60 100 100 100 100 70 70 30 30 100 100 60 70 70 40 70 70 30 30 100 40 100 40 40 100 10 40 40 20 70 70 3.1 2.2 2.2 70 40 40 75 66 66 50 40 40 25 19 19 B 0 0 0 0 100 70 30 100 10 25 50 75 90 100 100 60 100 70 30 100 60 40 70 40 70 30 100 40 40 100 40 100 40 70 40 70 40 40 3 40 70 40 70 40 40 100 60 A 3% ISO 12647-7 Digital Control Strip 2009