[cardcrimson]

Sure it is. The decline of the labor movement in non contract freelance opportunities erodes solidarity for all in the entertainment industry. The strength of the ISTSE in Hollywood was built on the premise that hiring an IA crew insures that you will get top flight technicians and artists. In the give and take of contract negotiations we ceded strike provisions for a decent scale and exceptional benefits. While we witnessed a NABET strike at ABC decades ago that hampered the network and especially hurt the legion of freelancers depending on a fair wage the IA Hollywood locals don’t use a threat of strike and the producers appreciate it. Except for Disney which has to bite the Union bullet.

Wonder why the PAC 12’s material is so so? Can’t get the best people in the industry because many won’t work for sub par wages. Without the pioneers in the middle Twenties in our industry none of us would have the vacation pay, quick turn around protection and the option of spending our last days in the Motion Picture Home.

Union management in many industries is questionable. The movement however has provided many benefits to the workers and many benefits to the American people. We would be indentured servants without it. Watch the movie “The Assistant” to see what happens to someone without union protection.

Can't disagree with any of your points. . . .unions provided protection that was sorely needed. 

Listened to the President of the United Steelworkers Union in the late 80's. US manufacturing was being crushed by the Japanese at the time, and his response on how to resolve the competitive imbalance? Unionize Japan. Had to laugh at that one. . . .

[cardcrimson]

Sure it is. The decline of the labor movement in non contract freelance opportunities erodes solidarity for all in the entertainment industry. The strength of the ISTSE in Hollywood was built on the premise that hiring an IA crew insures that you will get top flight technicians and artists. In the give and take of contract negotiations we ceded strike provisions for a decent scale and exceptional benefits. While we witnessed a NABET strike at ABC decades ago that hampered the network and especially hurt the legion of freelancers depending on a fair wage the IA Hollywood locals don’t use a threat of strike and the producers appreciate it. Except for Disney which has to bite the Union bullet.

Wonder why the PAC 12’s material is so so? Can’t get the best people in the industry because many won’t work for sub par wages. Without the pioneers in the middle Twenties in our industry none of us would have the vacation pay, quick turn around protection and the option of spending our last days in the Motion Picture Home.

Union management in many industries is questionable. The movement however has provided many benefits to the workers and many benefits to the American people. We would be indentured servants without it. Watch the movie “The Assistant” to see what happens to someone without union protection.

Can't disagree with any of your points. . . .unions provided protection that was sorely needed. 

Listened to the President of the United Steelworkers Union in the late 80's. US manufacturing was being crushed by the Japanese at the time, and his response on how to resolve the competitive imbalance? Unionize Japan. Had to laugh at that one. . . .