Local 706 - The Artisan

10 • THE ARTISAN SPRING 2021 Communications Departments reached out and asked us to name a political coordinator to serve as a "conduit of information" to the individual members of our Local; roster make-up artist Angela Moos was chosen— and Sister Moos did an outstanding job! Each one of us received daily information about phone banking, Get Out the Vote (GOTV), and key battleground races in our county and state—and the IATSE came out early to support the Biden/Harris ticket. The CARES ACT last year—those $600 stimulus checks—came about thanks to lobbying efforts by unions! IATSE-PAC contributions—contributed by individual working members just like us, often in $1 increments—made more than a half-million dollars' difference in heated contests across the U.S. While corporations are allowed to write million-dollar checks, union dues cannot be used for political causes or candidates—so we raise our money $1 at a time… IATSE locals held raffles and PAC drives and fundraisers; every local urged its members to con- tribute to the PAC. I proudly contribute weekly to our IATSE- PAC because I see firsthand the good it does for our union, our Local—and our individual members. The question is: why doesn't every member contribute? $1 per week per member would provide us with even more ability to assist working Americans and their families—us! Moving up the ladder of success to be a department head, a leader. Vaccinations to keep us safe. Being a little more active in our Local, our union; contributing to the IATSE- PAC. It all starts with you. You are the union. Please enjoy your issue of The Artisan. Sincerely and fraternally, Randy Sayer Valued Sisters, Brothers and kin, Didn't the governor declare that we are all "essential workers"…? Actually, no. While we are all essential in my eyes, we are not treating patients, providing food, shelter or necessary services to the public; we are not "first responders." Back in November, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a limited stay-at-home order for "all non-essential work, movement and gatherings to stop between 10 p.m.-5 a.m. in counties in the purple tier." This meant that 94 percent of the state's population were under the order. However, it was announced at the same time that entertainment industry workers would be "an exception to the rule." We are not "essential workers" so much as we are an exception to the rule that pertains to all non- essential workers; a bit confusing, but an important distinction. Our film & television industry continues because of all the work that we have put into providing a safer workplace; our COVID safety protocols work! Producers and unions have a vested interest in getting all workers in our indus- try vaccinated as soon as possible. I advise each of our members to talk to their healthcare professionals now and consider taking the vaccine—just as soon as they are available. A department head—something that many of us aspire to be—Polly and I have written an article laying out some basic ways your Business Representatives may assist you in this objec- tive. "So, you want to be a DEPARTMENT HEAD…?" explains how heading a department requires a different skill set than being a working artist, and comes with a lot of responsibil- ity—from the employer, from the union, from your crew. This is valuable information for current—as well as future—depart- ment heads… The IATSE Political Action Committee (PAC) turned the tide for pro-worker candidates and legislation here in California and across this country! The 2020 election dem- onstrated that working people clearly made a difference, and perhaps the most pro-Labor Executive Branch is already hard at work serving the people who elected them. Obviously, the groundwork to secure these historic gains began long before we cast our ballots… The IATSE's Political & Legislative and LOCAL PERSPECTIVE BY RANDY SAYER Business Representative, I.A.T.S.E. Local 706 An IATSE PAC form is located on page 13; just fill it out and mail it in! " "

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