Broadcasting Telecasting (Apr-Jun 1958)

PERSONNEL RELATIONS SAG: LET MEANY RULE ON VTR The Screen Actors Guild has proposed that its dispute with the American Federation of Television-Radio Artists over jurisdiction in video tape commercials be arbitrated by George Meany, president of the AFL-CIO. The SAG proposal was made in a letter to be air mailed last night from the SAG board to the AFTRA board in New York and to AFTRA Chicago and Los Angeles sections. SAG stipulated that both unions agree in advance to be bound by Mr. Meany's decision. The SAG letter stated in part: "At this moment we two actors' unions are faced with a division of opinion as to how to divide our negotiating activities in the video tape television commercial field. "SAG has proposed that AFTRA cover all such work done at television stations and networks and that SAG cover all such work done outside television stations and networks. "You disagree. However, the area of our disagreement, as we see it, is not great. In recent informal discussions between us you have recognized that the guild should cover all video tape television commercials produced by motion picture studios as we have recognized that AFTRA cover all such commercials produced by television network and station broadcasting studios. "We propose that this division be mutually confirmed. This leaves as the only area in dispute between us the following: taped commercials produced by studios devoted to this purpose and not engaged in production in either of the above excluded areas . . . "We therefore wish to propose that in lieu of a long, expensive and possibly bitter fight before the NLRB, the question of whether AFTRA or the Guild should have jurisdiction over work done in the disputed area above described be determined by arbitration, and we hereby offer to arbitrate the matter and propose that the president of the AFL-CIO, Mr. George Meany, be the sole arbitrator, both sides agreeing to abide by his decision." SHOWDOWN DELAYED IN UNION WRANGLE • Hollywood dispute hangs fire • Action delayed for AFM meet Showdown between the administration and anti-administration forces within Local 47, Hollywood, of the American Federation of Musicians has been postponed until after the AFM national convention, starting June 2 in Philadelphia. Following the announcement of AFM President James C. Petrillo that he would not be a candidate for the office he has held since 1940 [Personnel Relations, May 19], the AFM put off its investigation of the local's suspension of seven members on charges of dual unionism, which was to have begun May 15, until sometime in June. Also put off until the union's delegates have had a chance to elect a new national leader is the National Labor Relations Board hearing of the application of the Musicians Guild of America, newly formed rival to AFM [Personnel Relations, March 31], for the right to challenge AFM's representation of the musicians normally employed by the major motion picture studios, but out on strike [Personnel Relations, Feb. 24]. The hearing, set to begin last Tuesday in Los Angeles, was postponed until June 12. June 1 2 also is the date now set for a new election of directors of the Musicians Club, originally scheduled for June 5 but, like the other actions, delayed until after the AFM convention. Six of the seven suspended members of Local 47 were elected directors of the Musicians Club, which controls the real estate and bank deposits of the union. Before they were seated, however, they lost their membership in the local, a requirement for membership in the Musicians Club, on charges that they had supported the cause of MGA and so were guilty of dual unionism. When the suspended musicians protested to the Los Angeles Superior Court, Judge Bayard Rhone issued a preliminary injunction ordering the local not to interfere with the employment opportunities of these men until they had been given the opportunity of appealing their suspension within the AFM itself [Personnel Relations, May 12]. Mr. Daniel subsequently filed an appeal to Judge Rhone's injunction which in effect stays its provisions until a hearing has been held, according to a spokesman for Local 47. The AFM's investigation of the suspension of the seven members of Local 47 will be conducted by Los Angeles attorney George E. Bodle, appointed by the national union as referee in this matter. Essentially, MGA's President Cecil Read and his supporters are rebels against policies they attribute to Mr. Petrillo personally. Now that he has announced his intention to retire at the June convention, there may be a new AFM president, new AFM policies. A reconciliation between the opposing forces is possible, with a modification of trust fund policies to give musicians employed in films and recording a larger share of the moneys expended by companies in these fields for the employment of their services, with reinstatement of the rebels into the national AFM and Local 47, and MGA dissolution. Tonight (Monday) Local 47 's members will vote on an administration motion that the local's delegates to the national convention be instructed to fight for four changes in national policy: removal of the 5% charge on new tv film [a trust fund payment required if AFM members are employed]; resumption of payment of $25 for the re-use of theatrical motion pictures on tv to individual musicians, instead of to the trust fund; that the 21% increase in scale on phonograph records be paid to the individual musicians instead of to the trust fund and that "no contracts be entered into without the ratification of the individuals affected thereby." FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE To Television Stations Only A Public Service Film Available For Any 10-Day Period Without Charge "CHALLENGE IN ASIA" Narrated by Lowell Thomas ♦ A 13% minute film short on today's challenge in Asia. Will the Philippine people and their President, with their English-speaking, Christian heritage on an Oriental background provide a fresh means of Peace in Asia and understanding with the West? In this film President Garcia gives his answer. ♦ Here is an inside look at President Garcia at work in Malacanang Palace, the Philippine White House. The film includes a special sequence on his role as host to the SEATO conference, which helped firm up the anti-Communist alliance in Asia. There are live sound statements by Secretary of State John Foster Dulles and Philippine President Garcia, also intimate glimpses into the workday and the private home life of President Garcia . . . including Cabinet Meetings, as host at a state dinner for SEATO foreign ministers . . . receiving a newly appointed ambassador . . . talking with a delegation of American boys . . . welcoming world-renowned personalities, Marian Anderson and others . . . relaxing with his family . . . playing chess . . . with a final interview of broad impact on tomorrow in Asia! ♦ A remarkably different public service film for the TV program director seeking to give his viewers a fresh insight into Asia and President Garcia's objectives for the betterment of Philippine-American understanding. ♦ Produced by Alfred Wagg Pictures, narrated by Lowell Thomas, directed by Alfred Wagg, written by Joe DiMona, photographed in 35mm black and white, and 16mm prints are available, with synchronized sound and music. For additional information, please write or wire: ALFRED WAGG PICTURES 7801 Woodmont Avenue Washington 14, D. C. Telephone: Oliver 6-3161 Broadcasting May 26, 1958 • Page 89