Local 706 - The Artisan

12 • THE ARTISAN FALL 2021 vitriolic. Those who have never experienced the process are often the first to say, "Well, they should…" There are those who shout and say, "We should demand…" Demand all day and night, the other side can still say no. The representatives at the bargaining table have to be bold and steadfast but do what is right for their members. You don't win without persistence and often that doesn't work either. Remember, it's the other side's job to say no. Everyone passionately works to achieve goals, but often it's laborious, contentious and you don't always win. There are very smart people on both sides. It was heartbreaking that Brent Hershman lost his life, a wife lost her husband and family lost its father … for a movie. It created a bond those of us on Pleasantville will have the rest of our lives. It broke friendships with those who would not stand with us in solidarity. But his death created change. We cannot waiver from that accomplishment. We cannot allow productions to reduce the hard-fought turnaround. It needs to be cemented into all of the contracts. Even one saved life is worth the blood, sweat and tears. Please reflect when production asks you to "waive" as part of your contract how many years it took to achieve that one thing. You as an individual do not have the authority to "waive" any part of that contract. Both sides agreed to abide by the conditions. Be strong, straighten your backbone and remember what those who came before you may have sacrificed to achieve it. "We Stand for Reasonable Rest," and now you know why. Be passionate, be strong. Since the Taft-Hartley Act was passed in 1947, members of labor unions have been concerned about increased membership affecting job availability. The Act itself was created to limit the power of labor unions, prevent unions from using unfair labor practices (like wildcat strikes and political strikes), and eliminated the "closed shop"—a union closing its doors to future members. Qualifying for the Industry Experience Roster (IER) and gaining membership in Local 706 has never been easy, and with the dramatic rise in the cost of living in Los Angeles in the last 25 years, taking the nonunion "60-60-60" path has gotten harder. Tax incentives have lured much of the lower budget films—that may have once shot in Los Angeles—to other states. These barriers have made it more difficult for BIPOC artists to get a foothold working in film and television and qualifying for membership. We have been receiving calls in the last few months from members who are concerned we are "letting too many people" join Local 706—a concern that our members have vocalized for years… Remember: We are not legally able to 'close our doors' to new members—nor would we want to exclude others from membership. We fully support the IATSE position of "Growth Equals Strength," and these new members will help Local 706 to grow and prosper. A rising tide lifts all boats. Demand for artists who are skilled with highly textured/natural textured hair, barbering, prosthetic make-up, lace-front wigs and period hair styling is high, and we are pleased to offer those who have experience working on set the opportunity to earn their days toward placement on the IER and membership in Local 706. We expect to see a small surge in membership as a result. The marketplace has shifted dramatically in the past few years. More shows are creating characters that require prosthetic make-up, and many more shows feature multi-ethnic casts. The trend in textured hair has shifted from styles that are achieved by chemicals, heat and product to looks that embrace the beauty and variety of natural curls and coils. Male actors expect to have skilled barbers tend to their needs in the trailer—not at a barbershop on their own time. Just as blow dryers and precision haircutting changed the beauty industry in the 1960s and '70s, the natural hair movement and the diversity of casting has changed the needs of Hollywood today. If working with textured hair or applying make-up to darker skin tones lies outside of your skill set, the time has come to educate yourself. Take some classes online or in-person— or look for a mentor within our membership. The work we perform—whether make-up or hair styling—requires practice and 'hands-on' experience. We do not want to see our members left behind as the market changes and moves forward. GUILD NEWS Growth Equals Strength: NEW MEMBERS WILL HELP LOCAL 706 GROW AND PROSPER by Polly Lucke

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