Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1535953
Summer 2025 – LOCAL695.COM 35 openly discussed or any type of investigation goes deeper. They're looked at and explored. Things are addressed now. I think the employers are addressing a lot. MU: It sounds like it's a good thing in motion. These are troubled times on a lot of levels and in other arenas, but what you're describing is not a small move forward, having a deeper collaboration in terms of representing the members with the employer. I'm glad to hear it. You just explained that you've been in training with OSHA and other things. How does that turn into something practical when you're dealing with individual members? JOE: It could be anything from, "Hey, we don't have a bathroom anywhere near us," or "Hey, we're working in a junkyard today and it's kind of scary." We will address any safety concerns, and they do need to be investigated. After the recent passing of a Local 728 member, I think there's a heightened sense of making sure our members are safe. Accidents do happen, but we need to make sure that we are doing our best to prevent and respond to these safety concerns. MU: It's common for working members to forget that movie and TV sets are industrial work sites and they have a variety of areas which can create danger if you're not aware and trained how to deal with concerning situations. JOE: Film workers for the most part do feel a sense of calmness and like this is what we do. MU: In my life experience, I've witnessed death and severe injury on sets from accidents and other things that are traumatizing and yet very educational about what you need to do to be on guard for your own safety beyond even training. Sometimes there's that sixth sense, that third eye, to be aware of something that may not be immediately obvious and over time become aware. I think your job probably brings a kind of connection to that awareness. For example, if you visit a set, and there's an issue you recognize that might not have been apparent to others, it's time to speak up. That's a very important educational moment for members and management, I think, very important. JOE: I've shown up saying, "Hey, I'm part of the Safety Committee and I just wanted to look into this to make sure." That is something I take very seriously. MU: What would you say is the most difficult part of your job? Not in a negative sense, but one of the bigger challenges? JOE: I'm looking at a couple of scenarios. Let's see. One is when someone outside of our Local is performing our work. That's a thing I don't like to deal with it, but it's so problematic. The other one is member-on-member conflict, whether it's just member-on-member bullying or worse. I hate that more than anybody. MU: I went through the training that the International provided over such issues and the special protocols required when we have members versus members in a conflict situation. Respect is required for A, the person making the allegation, and B, the person who's being alleged against. It's important to stay in the information and neutral mode when looking at that. We've got to protect everyone's rights. JOE: Or it could be a producer or anyone too, so we must really take care. MU: What's your vision for the future? What may be coming down the pike that's important for us to know about? JOE: Well, I like to see us all working together and with our sister Locals, and I think that is going on in Hollywood right now, where building relationships, I think Local 695 does enjoy a good relationship with all the locals in the IATSE. MU: You bring an optimistic voice in these times. JOE: I am optimistic about that. MU: What advice can you give to anyone considering entering a career like yours as a rep? JOE: I think that it's a navigational job to me. You must navigate and listen and focus on the real problem that you're listening to. You've got to whittle things down.