Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1538125
9 F A L L Q 3 I S S U E S C O T T G E O R G E , N A T I O N A L E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R W hen I stepped into this role at the end of January, I had al- r e a d y s p e n t y e a r s w o r k i n g at Local 700 and knew something about our proud history and powerful sense of purpose. What I didn't expect was that my first few weeks on the job would be shaped by a crisis. The devastating January fires in Los Angeles left a scar on the city and directly impacted many of our members. Homes were lost. Lives were upended. The disaster wasn't abstract; it was personal. And yet, amid the destruction, I wit- nessed something extraordinary: Editors Guild members stepping up for one another. Union kin organizing donation drives. Volunteers offering temporary housing. Colleagues helping colleagues pick through the ashes and begin again. In moments like that, we are reminded of the deepest truth about our Guild: That solidarity is not just a slogan. It's a lifeline. I saw it in action, and it was something I will never forget. Now, halfway through the year, I want to share some reflections on where we've been and where we're headed. Because while we've had challenges, we've also had real victories — and more importantly, we're laying the groundwork for a stronger, more responsive Guild. One of the biggest wins this year came not on a picket line, but in the statehouse. After months of lobbying efforts from our coalition and industry allies, including Local 700 staff and members, the California legislature passed a package of tax incen- tives in June designed to keep the state competitive and hopefully keep our people working. These incentives are a critical tool for rebuilding our post-strikes job base and getting the industry back to work in our sound stages, edit bays, animation desks, and ADR booths. They send a message: California is open for business and ready to work. But building strength isn't just about legislation. It's about listening. That's why we are having a Local 700-wide town hall, scheduled probably around the time you get this issue of CineMontage. It's also why we've launched a series of classifica- tion-specific town halls, beginning with our animation and sound communities. These meetings have been a chance to hear directly from you — about what's working, what isn't, and what you want to see from your Guild. The feedback has been candid, and in many cases, inspiring. You want a union that communicates more, fights harder, and makes it easier for mem- bers to raise their hands and be heard. And that's exactly the direction we're moving. So what's next? In the second half of the year, we're dou- bling down on building a Guild that is more engaged, more inclusive, and more power- ful — member by member, classification by classification, shop by shop. That starts with organizing. As you may know, we've hired a new organizer in the Eastern Region, Micah Landau, to help bol- ster our national presence and expand our footprint in areas where our work is grow- ing but still underrepresented. Organizing isn't just about bringing new members into the fold; it's about expanding our leverage, enforcing our contracts, and protecting our standards. Contract enforcement is another top priority. Our field reps continue to work hard for you behind the scenes. But we know there's more to do. That's why we're launching a new Shop Steward Program this year. The goal is simple: create clear, accessible channels for reporting violations and making sure your rights are honored on the job. Shop stewards will be trained, sup- ported, and empowered so they can serve as on-the-ground resources in real time. Education is key to all of this. We'll be hosting more "Know Your Rights" sessions in the months ahead, not just as PowerPoint presentations, but as real conversations with real-world application. We want every member to know what protections you're entitled to and how to use them when it matters most. And behind the scenes, we're strength- A MID-YEAR CHECK-IN SOME VICTORIES POINT THE WAY TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE P H OT O : M A R K E D WA R D S