CDG - The Costume Designer

What we hoped to be our CDG general membership meeting in person on July 31, 2021, became a Zoom meeting due to uptake in the COID-19 vari- ant. What's happening going forward? Let's hold onto what worked over the last year and a half, like Zoom, social distancing, non-touch doors, and using our Rcode. Masks are better than tissues at keeping germs and pol- len from irritating us. If I hear a sneeze, I reach for my mask not a tissue. The IATSE International is in negotiations with the AMPTP on the Basic Agreement contract establishing the weekly wage rate, giving you the ba- sic contract language to negotiate your contracts over the next three years. The number one issue in negotiations is protecting and maintaining our healthcare coverage and avoiding an increase in out-of-pocket costs, de- ductibles, and qualifying hours. Safety on the job, skills training classes, and advancing diversity and inclusion are being negotiated. The IATSE and AMPTP negotiations started in early June, took a break, and will resume in August. "Together We Rise." The District 2 and the 69th uadrennial Convention held virtually July 25, 27-29, 2021, was attended by your elected delegates Rachael Stanley, Brigitta Romanov, Jacqueline Saint Anne, Dana Woods, Bonnie ipar, and myself. The CDG Pay Equity resolution got the support of delegates from many Hollywood locals. Resolutions are a way for your voice to be heard by the leadership of the IATSE International from all of the 13 Districts. The Districts hold yearly conventions, and every four years, the IATSE Inter- national uadrennial Convention. With a better basic weekly wage scale agreement, you as members of CDG and the IATSE, can negotiate your contract with your employers starting with the basic agreements weekly wage scale. The Basic Agreement contract is the oor under you. ou can reach higher to break the gender bias and pay disparity barriers. Change requires us to collaborate, stay focused on closing the weekly wage gap, and achieve pay equity. The IATSE basic contract is your best tool, but it takes you to make the contract you want to achieve pay equity. Talk to your friends in CDG Local 892, designer to designer, assistant designer to assis- tant designer, and illustrator to illustrator, collectively agreeing on a wage you will not go below. our strength is in cooperation with your peers. Fear is not an option. It's not magic. It's collective bargaining. When you get a job, call it into the CDG o ce. Better yet, call the CDG and ask questions while negotiating your deal. If you are not sure of yourself, get the advice you needand remember, your agent is only as good as your demands. The higher you reach, the more your agent will get for you. L Dege By Madn In solidarity, Betty Madden CDG Labor Delegate and County Federation of Labor, Sergeant at Arms bmadden@cdgia.com Photo: Kelly Serfoss 11

• Cover