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sources spent on this fight will be wasted.
The International will do whatever it can
to ensure that is not the case.
The most dramatic change in our
culture since the last Convention has been
the tremendous strides in Canadian IATSE
activism. Our Locals and our members
in Canada have truly made important
progress in reaching out to the communities
in which they live and work. In addition
to individual Local initiatives, this
marks the third year that the IATSE has
been a national participant in the Food
Banks Canada “Every Plate Full Challenge.”
Locals across the country competed
against one another to raise food
and funds, resulting in over 600,000 meals
for hungry Canadians. Members have also
participated in coat drives, art fundraisers,
and other food drives. They have pounded
the pavement to Fight for 15, to raise
money for the homeless, and to compel
government to rescind tax cuts related to
film credits. Our Canadian brothers and
sisters have walked in solidarity with striking
healthcare workers, factory workers,
and postal workers. They have rallied for
equal pay and equal rights for women,
people of colour, aboriginal people, and
those in the LGBTQ+ community. I am
also pleased that several Canadian Locals
have established their own young worker
and women’s committees. When a need
arises, more and more, IATSE members
are there to answer the call.
As reported elsewhere to this Convention,
the political activism of our
Canadian members has also increased
remarkably. While political engagement
is an important aspect of community
involvement, it is by no means the only
measure. I already discussed some of the
ways that IATSE members have elevated
their activism within their communities.
In the last four years, representatives of
the International have attended over 200
events, rallies, and picket lines in support
of the Alliance and our allies in the labour
movement.
In addition to partnering with Food
Banks Canada, the IA strongly supports
the AFC (formerly the Actors’ Fund of
Canada), PAL Canada (Performing Arts
Lodges – retirement homes and communities
across the country for those who
worked in the entertainment industries),
and the Congress of Union Retirees of
Canada, among other organizations. One
interesting initiative the IA took part in
this year was our support for a film adaptation
of Strike! The Musical, which tells
the story of the Winnipeg general strike
of 1919, a turning point in this history
of Canadian workers. Local 63 played a
large role in the theatrical production and
Local 856 is shooting the film adaptation.
Funding was needed for distribution of
the film to Canadian high school students
to coincide with the 100th anniversary of
the strike in 2019. The International and
Canadian IA Locals raised $100,000 to
help support distribution of this important
labour story.
There is one initiative, which I am
truly honoured to report upon. In 2014,
Gary Mitchell, who was the President of
Local 849, suffered a heart attack on his
way back from a General Executive Board
Meeting in Seattle. He was not breathing
and his heart had stopped. Wayne Goodchild,
President of Local 873 was also travelling
home. He noticed a small crowd in
the Toronto airport, realized it was Gary
and saved Gary’s life by using an automated
external defibrillator (AED). Sadly,
Gary passed away early the following
year, but in his honour, the International
spearheaded a national AED awareness
campaign. Several Locals worked with
the IA on this initiative. I am proud to say
that over 100 AEDs have been installed
in Canadian workplaces for the welfare
of IATSE members and anyone in those
venues who may be in need.
There is no shortage of examples of
IATSE members, Locals and the International
supporting progressive groups.
I see this as a fundamental role for the
IATSE. We must continue as it enables us
to make connections to the communities
in which our members work and live.
Meanwhile, I challenge our Canadian
members to continue the spirit of organizing
and engagement they have developed.
Our future strength depends on it.
MOTION PICTURE AND
TELEVISION PRODUCTION
DEPARTMENT
The Motion Picture and Television
Production Department of the IATSE
has grown remarkably within the past
four years. The Department has continued
and often enhanced its focus on new
organizing. Organizing has helped to
eliminate the non-union workforce on all
but the smallest of productions. Work opportunities
for our members increase as
more content is produced under IATSE
contracts. The Department has raised
the bar on health and safety issues by prioritizing
healthy rest periods, deterring
long work days, and promoting safe work
places. These issues, as well as the security
of our pension and health plans, will continue
to be a top priority as we negotiate
future IATSE contracts.
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