Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1531981
10 PRODUCTION SOUND & VIDEO – Spring 2025 Software Development, Network Administration, Finance and Accounting, Marketing, and much more. All IATSE members are eligible to sign up for a free LinkedIn Learning Account by visiting https://www.iatsetrainingtrust.org/lil You can also view a multitude of free educational webinars sponsored by the IA Training Trust Fund online at www. gotostage.com/channel/iaeducationforall. These webinars cover a range of topics from labor and voting rights; the basics of equity, diversity, and inclusion; mental health subjects such as depression, substance abuse; physical safety and well-being at work; and so much more. IATSE PAC Following the 2024 election, you might consider donating to the IATSE PAC. This Political Action Committee is run entirely by the IATSE Political/Legislative Department and funded entirely by the donations of IATSE members and staffers. It backs pro-labor candidates whose values align with the IATSE Federal Issue Agenda and all campaigns are thoroughly vetted before the PAC distributes a dime. This is one of the safest ways to donate and be assured that your contribution is supporting candidates who support your livelihood. Since its inception in 1999, the PAC has contributed to candidates who have helped create thousands of IATSE jobs, provided financial support to IATSE members during times of crisis, and expanded the power and budget of the National Labor Relations Board. Recurring donors receive a quarterly newsletter outlining PAC expenditures and current political updates from the union, so that you can remain in the loop as to how your money is being spent. If you pledge to donate at the $10, $20, or $40 a month funding level, you'll receive a membership pin. Our Local is proud to be a Bronze Level participant in the PAC, thanks to the participation of our members. Our continued support has an impact on the lives of workers and the entertainment community across the nation. Zach Hazelwood A2 Pablo Mena Davalos Y-1 Parker Morris Y-1 LOCAL 695 NEW MEMBERS IN MEMORIAM JOSEPH BIEDENBACH, PROJECTIONIST April 9,1935 – December 14, 2024 RYAN FECTEAU, Y-1 December 16, 1975 – December 19, 2024 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 Union Membership: by Ryan Pedersen I grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, which is a strong union city, along with the state of Illinois. When I was 15 years old, I became a bagger at a local grocery store. Even though I was a part-time minimum wage worker making $5.25 an hour, I was required to join the union associated with the grocery store. I was young and didn't understand why I had to pay what little I was making toward union dues. I didn't understand what a union was, nor how it benefited me. A lot has changed since that first experience. I now live in a household where I am not only a member of a union, but my wife is as well. I've grown to understand the history behind unions, why we need them, and what they offer working people. When we become members of Local 695, we make a pledge to accept and abide by the provisions set forth in both our Local 695 Constitution and By-Laws, as well the IATSE's governing documents. While signing your name at the bottom of this pledge is an easy task, there is much more entailed in being a member. When we apply for membership, we are stating that we are of good moral character and reputation. As we continue our membership, we are expected to maintain our good standing both morally and financially. Our Local 695 Constitution lays out the objectives of our Local and indicates our own responsibilities as members. We and the Local have agreed to strive to: a) Improve the wages, job security, and working conditions b) Advance our economic, social, and cultural interests c) Establish peaceful and harmonious relationships between our members and the employers and increase stability of the industry d) Assure full employment e) Promote and support democracy and free trade unionism f) Engage to strengthen the labor movement and extend the collective bargaining process to all trades and industries It is not just the responsibility of members elected to office or the staff in the office to try to fulfill these objectives. The general membership makes the Local what it is. It is up to us as members to fulfill these objectives. These objectives are the core of what it means to be a member of a union. Knowing our objectives and responsibilities is the easiest part of being a member of our Local. Accomplishing these objectives is the more difficult thing to do. It is our shared responsibility to engage with our Local. Some of