Some Strike Perspective

S

Sad Max

Artful Dodger
Since some folks here are not directly involved with the union film/tv production business, and since there has been some confusion regarding the proper behavior of non-WGA union signatories during the present strike, I decided to share a letter from the President of the International Alliance, discussing our obligations while the strike is in effect. I think that a lot of regulars here are pursuing crafts and professions distinct from work covered by the WGA, and might be interested in the IA's perspective.



November 2, 2007

TO THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF IATSE - LOS ANGELES LOCAL 800/MOTION PICTURE & TELEVISION ART DIRECTORS GUILD

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

As you know, the Writers Guild is expected to go on strike in the next few days. Most IATSE Local Union contracts contain no-strike clauses that require our members to work when a non-IATSE union goes on strike. Even if your contracts do not have such clauses, an individual member who chooses to honor any picket line is subject to replacement.

I am therefore directing you to advise your members to perform their regular duties in the event of a WGA strike. At the same time, members of your Local Union should not perform "struck work," that is, they cannot be required to, and should not, perform writing duties ordinarily performed by striking members of the Writers Guild.

It is unfortunate that the Producers and the Writers Guild have been unable to reach an amicable settlement. The work stoppage will have a profound and long-lasting impact on thousands of IATSE members and their families. You should do everything in your power to minimize that impact on the members of your Local. Let us hope that the strike will be resolved soon.


Fraternally,

Thomas C. Short
International President
 
Sad Max said:
Since some folks here are not directly involved with the union film/tv production business, and since there has been some confusion regarding the proper behavior of non-WGA union signatories during the present strike, I decided to share a letter from the President of the International Alliance, discussing our obligations while the strike is in effect. I think that a lot of regulars here are pursuing crafts and professions distinct from work covered by the WGA, and might be interested in the IA's perspective.



November 2, 2007

TO THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF IATSE - LOS ANGELES LOCAL 800/MOTION PICTURE & TELEVISION ART DIRECTORS GUILD

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

As you know, the Writers Guild is expected to go on strike in the next few days. Most IATSE Local Union contracts contain no-strike clauses that require our members to work when a non-IATSE union goes on strike. Even if your contracts do not have such clauses, an individual member who chooses to honor any picket line is subject to replacement.

I am therefore directing you to advise your members to perform their regular duties in the event of a WGA strike. At the same time, members of your Local Union should not perform "struck work," that is, they cannot be required to, and should not, perform writing duties ordinarily performed by striking members of the Writers Guild.

It is unfortunate that the Producers and the Writers Guild have been unable to reach an amicable settlement. The work stoppage will have a profound and long-lasting impact on thousands of IATSE members and their families. You should do everything in your power to minimize that impact on the members of your Local. Let us hope that the strike will be resolved soon.


Fraternally,

Thomas C. Short
International President
Click to expand...

I think most of us have enough common sense to understand that not everyone in the business can just walk off in sympathy, and that the writers don't expect them to...it may have been almost 20 years since a WGA strike, but for most people looking on, this ain't their first rodeo....
 
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The crafts don't get residuals and aren't expecting to, so they have no horse in this game. Nothing against them, of course, but they're fully on the outside. DGA and SAG, however, do get residuals, and if the Writers cave on this, then both the other Guilds will wind up taking a hit as well, so that's why they're in.
 
Actually, the craft locals do get residuals, in the form of contributions to the MPHW and MPIHP and retirement plans. Since the writers' deal will form the basis of calculations for money going into those funds, all of the locals have a vested interest in how this plays out.

So no one with an IA card, is on the outside...

DeSica" said:
I think most of us have enough common sense to understand that not everyone in the business can just walk off in sympathy,
Click to expand...

Most...not all.
 
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