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8 C I N E M O N T A G E D I S T R I C T 2 By A.J. Catoline A s they set out from Los Angeles to the annual IATSE convention in Lake Tahoe, the elected dele- gates of Local 700 did something rare for hardworking Editors Guild members: got out in nature. They explored the steep trails of the Sierra Nevada mountains, redwood forests, waterfalls and streams that flow into a vast and deep emerald-colored lake. And at night, they could visit (or avoid) the casino gaming tables. Hundreds of union members who work in different crafts gathered on June 8 for the 80th annual IATSE District 2 convention at the Bally's Casino Resort in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada, at a time of great uncer- tainty in the film and television industry. A historic work slowdown persists, and at the time of the convention, negotiations for a new contract between the union and the producers were not yet concluded. The convention welcomed 232 delegates from dozens of locals across California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii. This year was Nevada's turn to host, though the proceed- ings were held just steps from the California state line. Local 700 sent 30 delegates from a variety of classifications — picture, sound, music and assistant editors, a technician and a story analyst — who spent most of the time meeting new faces, saying hello to old friends in other locals they met at past conventions, and talking about their issues and concerns in the workplace. "It was such a pleasure to witness the camaraderie, the professionalism and the TAKING ACTION IN TAHOE MPEG DELEGATES GATHER FOR IATSE DISTRICT 2 CONVENTION care all of our delegates took in looking out for one another and for making the most of networking with rank-and-file members of other locals," said National Executive Director Cathy Repola. While meeting in the convention center of a bustling casino hotel, members of all locals were keenly aware that the union must not "roll the dice" for the future of solidarity, but rather make a safe bet that being united will be the best preparation for a successful negotiation to ratify a new contract — and in November, to ensure that pro-labor candidates win presidential and congressional elections. International President Matt Loeb wel- comed the delegates, saying he had arrived the night before in Lake Tahoe after staying in a Los Angeles hotel for 45 days to head the union side of the table during the extended Basic Agreement negotiations with the AMPTP producers. "Our members are among the most skilled and artistic tradespeople in the world. We will fight and we will never, ever lose sight of the members," Loeb said. Ne go t i at i o n s fo c u s e d o n a c h i ev i n g wage increases and shoring up the Motion Picture Health and Pension plans, huge economic asks this year as the plans dig out from under a projected $700 million deficit caused in part by the industry slowdown due to the strikes. "We're going to make sure that not only do we attach new residuals and increase the funding to the plans, but that we come up with a long-term way to make sure they are funded well into the future, that the pensions are better as time goes on, and that folks can retire in dignity. That's our job at the bargaining table. We're absolutely committed to do it, and without that, there Local 700 delegates attend the 80th annual IATSE District 2 Convention, South Lake Tahoe, NV. P H OT O : A N T H O N Y D E LG A D O