Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1535953
MU: You just described a successful negotiation. My training has been along the lines of the HARVARD Negotiation Project. [https://www.pon.harvard.edu/category/research_projects/harvard- negotiation-project/] This is when the opposite sides of an issue adapt to working together to solve the issue, instead of seeing each other as the enemy. Psychologically, it's the first step toward conflict resolution. Joe, you're on the front lines of that work. I'm wondering if you have a sense that mentorship enters your work? Do you find yourself in some way mentoring others? JOE: Oh, yeah, I am mentoring others, not full time, but anyone who asks me a question, I'm always willing to give my point of view and guidance. MU: That's beautiful. It's hard to have perspective when you're under economic duress. The industry has gone through cycles of boom and bust for all the time it's existed, and this is one of those. The business models are reshaping because they're not functioning the way they're intended. People tend to think everything's running away to another region, but in fact, all the regions are seeing a severe contraction of work right now. JOE: That is one hundred precent right, Mark. I've heard from people talking to me going, "Well, a bunch of it's in New Mexico with Netflix." But in reality, the IATSE reports that overall production was down and there were two low-budget features and one series shooting in that state. Just a few projects running over there. One show and two low budgets that are shooting for thirty days. MU: Even Europe is very down in its production schedule. JOE: Oh yeah, that was the other thing. Well, "England took it all." No, that's not true. Not true. They're going through some of the same things we are. MU: Do you like what you do? Are you happy in your work? JOE: I've never been more satisfied at a job in my life. That's key. I felt that I kind of fell into my groove after a while and enjoyed it to the fullest. MU: One last question. What, if any, message or comment or expression would you like to express to members? JOE: I think that we're in a cycle, My father, Joe Sr., has said everything goes in cycles, and our business goes through cycles as well. It's a strong business and it's here to stay. There are always changes and cycles and morphing that goes on, but we will go forward… Weingarten Rights are the legal protections for union members to have a union representative present during an investigatory interview with management where they could reasonably believe discipline or other adverse consequences may result from what they say.