Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1542296
9 W I N T E R Q 4 I S S U E A L A N H E I M , A C E , P R E S I D E N T E leven years ago, when Cathy Repola asked me to run for president of Lo- cal 700, I had no idea where the road would lead. W h a t I d i d k n o w w a s t h a t , a f t e r a career spent working in cutting rooms, I'd been given the chance to help strengthen something vital. A union isn't just an orga- nization or a logo. It's a living thing, made up of people who work hard, speak up, and take care of one another. And for more than a decade, I've had the honor of helping steer this extraordinary community through some of its biggest challenges and most meaningful victories. I am stepping down as President ef- fective January 2026. This isn't a goodbye because I'll always be part of the Editors Guild family. But stepping down now gives me a chance to reflect, to thank all of you, and I'm very happy to say that, even though we continue to face some truly historic challenges, our union is strong and it's in excellent hands. When I think back on our journey to- gether, I'm especially proud of the times we stood tall, even when — especially when! — it wasn't easy. In 2018, we made headlines, and more than a few waves, by voting down the proposed Basic Agreement. That wasn't a decision we took lightly. But we believed it was the right thing to do. We wanted a contract that didn't just lock in today's gains, but one that laid the groundwork for the future, especially by protecting our health and pension plans. That vote may have seemed risky at the time. But in hind- sight, it helped reassert a core principle: our members deserve to retire with dignity, and to be protected when life throws them a curveball. We've continued fighting for those values ever since. Then came the bruising contract battle of 2021, one of the toughest in recent mem- ory. Tensions ran high, and the negotiations tested all of us. But what emerged from that struggle was something powerful: a more unified, more engaged, more resilient mem- bership. It reminded us that solidarity isn't just a slogan. It's a muscle, and we'd spent years building ours. Of course, no one could have predicted the recent work slowdown. It's been hard. I've heard from members across every part of our local: from veterans worried about their health coverage to new hires unsure about what the future holds. These past months have tested our patience, our pocketbooks, and our resolve. But even in this difficult season, I've seen our union spirit shine through: members supporting each other, checking in, sharing leads, and staying connected. That's what solidarity looks like in real life. And it's why I remain deeply optimistic. Because here's the truth: we're going to come out the other side of this. Our local's finances remain solid. Our staff is sharp and dedicated. And our executive director, Scott George, is rounding out his first year in the role with fresh energy and a clear commitment to engaging every corner of our membership. That matters, because a union is only as strong as its most discon- nected member. We've got work to do, but I know this team is up for it. And then there's all of you, the members that make Local 700 so strong. I've never stopped being inspired by your grit, your pride, and your loyalty to each other. Time and again, you've stepped up: not just to fight for your own rights, but to lift up your coworkers, train the next generation, and protect the standards that make this indus- try better for everyone. If I have one hope as I leave this role, it's that we keep listening to each other. Not just during contract cycles or moments of crisis, but all the time. Listening is how we stay united. It's how we keep learning. And it's how we ensure that every member, no matter their title, craft, or experience, feels seen and valued. To everyone I've worked with over the years, thank you. Thank you for the late nights, the hard conversations, the shared laughs – even the long board meetings! -- and the unwavering belief that we can always do better together. It's been a great ride. I'm proud of what we've built. And I can't wait to see where you take it from here. Here's to solidarity, today and always! ■ Alan Heim, ACE, is President of the Motion Picture Editors Guild, Local 700. CORRECTION The Q3 Memorial Roll Call provided the incorrect information about Terence Anderson. He was born June 25, 1938 and was an on-call editor. SO LONG FOR NOW LOOKING BACK AT AN EVENTFUL DECADE