Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1487667
62 PRODUCTION SOUND & VIDEO – Winter 2023 and figures. Detailed reports that outline what productions and companies are harming our members or violating their contracts give the IATSE the tools to act. Please remember that when these problems are not reported to the office, it only serves to perpetuate the ongoing cycle of abuse. Report All Contract Violations In preparation for this article, I asked all the Local 695 Representatives what part of their job occupies the majority of their time. Every one of them said the same thing: "Contract Violations." Contract violations are, quite possibly, the most important day-to-day duty performed in the office. Violations such as wage discrepancies, penalties, jurisdictional disputes, and wrongful hires are just some of the most prominent problems that we work on in the office. But like abusive working conditions, many contract violations go unreported. If the office doesn't know it happened, it can't be fixed. If it's not fixed, violations persist and our contracts are diminished. But you can help change that. One notable issue is the hiring (or mis-hiring) of personnel. On the sound side of things, Local 695 has the sole jurisdiction over on-set communication systems, such as Comteks and set-wide PL systems. Similarly, our video members are contractually responsible for off-camera recording, video playback, and projection. However, too often we find that members of other locals are being hired to perform these duties. Our members who have lost jobs as a result of violations like this are voiceless, as they cannot report on jobs they don't even realize they were passed over for. This is why it is critical that 695 sound members step in to support our video members and vice versa. Have you seen members of other guilds performing video playback work? Is a DIT playing back video files for a director or script supervisor or even recording takes using a device on their carts? Or is someone from camera setting up communication systems between departments? This is absolutely not allowed. Our members should be the ones performing our work. So if you see something, please say something. Every week, problems on the set are being resolved when members bring them to the Local. But still, some members are hesitant to report contract violations and poor conditions for fear of reprisal from their employers. The office is very aware of these concerns and is adept at working with you and the company to prevent unwanted outcomes. And state and federal laws protect you too. When you report information to the Local, we will work with you, and together we'll map out a strategy to resolve the reported problem. Your help can mean the difference between you or another member qualifying for health insurance or making rent payments. It can be the difference between putting food on the table or going into debt. By reporting our jobs, our working conditions, and contract violations we observe, we keep Solidarity strong within our Local and stand together with our union Brothers, Sisters, and Kin. These steps can go a long way toward helping us change the culture of Hollywood. There is always work ahead of us. We have a lot to do. And with your help, we can do it. Report Your Jobs www.local695.com/membership-services/job-reporting Report Working Conditions www.local695.com/working-conditions/