IATSE_3rd2017_web

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER
A Demonstration of Unity
The 68th Quadrennial Convention held the week of July 17, 2017 was a grand
example of unity and solidarity. As the Delegates Assembled considered
matters such as constitutional changes, finances, resolutions and various
other issues, it became clear that the union was of a single mind, positioned
with strength and resolve to face the future.
@matthewloeb
MATTHEW D. LOEB
Most importantly, was a unified intention to stand together
to best represent the membership. And that, Sisters
and Brothers, is the primary goal of the Alliance.
The theme of the Convention was Growth=Strength. It is
a basic principal that unions that are growing become stronger
while those that are unable to grow, or lose members, are
weakened. That’s why it’s imperative that we strive for the
highest level of organization and IATSE union density possible.
If we leave the employers no alternative but to turn to
the IATSE, we control the industry and increase bargaining
power. Then we can exert the strength garnered from growth
to benefit the workers we are bound to represent. Too often
competitive forces undermine our standards by performing
our traditional work for substandard wages and conditions.
This competition is an anchor to progress. The way to eliminate
the competitive menace is to organize. To raise the standards
of those performing the work and level the playing field
with the employers. The Delegates at the Convention fully
understood this necessity and wholeheartedly supported the
theme through their involvement.
In the last four years, we have made significant efforts to
position ourselves to grow. Strategic planning and the development
of The Pillars of Success are integral in the foundation
for growth: Leadership, Skills and Safety Training, Activism
and Communications are the pillars upon which we
build. These programs have been developed to further the
goal of growth, and the strength that translates in to security
for the membership.
As we face the challenges of the future, including vicious
attacks on unions and workers, we must protect the membership
by positioning ourselves to be strong, bold and formidable.
The way to do this is to build strength as our most
potent asset by organizing. Organizing makes us stronger,
plain and simple. The Locals and International leadership
showed unwavering support for this premise at the Convention.
Now it’s time to put our mutual interests into motion by
implementing aggressive and inclusive organizing campaigns
throughout the Alliance. The time is upon us and we will succeed
together. Growth = Strength.
In Solidarity.
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THIRD QUARTER 2017 5