International photographer (Feb-Dec 1929)

June, 1929 T h INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Thirteen the work. A questionnaire was drawn up and submitted to the membership, which, by this time, was rapidly nearing the 100 percent mark among the cameramen of the West Coast, and the information elicited was illuminating as well as amazing. This mass of evidence formed the basis for an agenda to be used in the approaching meetings to be held with the Producers Committee, the members of which had been making a survey of their own. From this evidence was adduced the suggestions the recommendations and requests looking to the establishment of a satisfactory wage scale, the abolishing of abuses and the institution of working conditions in line with the welfare, prosperity and peace of the craft. While all this was doing the new star in the I. A. T. S. E. firmament was reaching out for desirable affiliations and, as quickly as contact could be made, Local 659 was recognized by and working with the California State Theatrical Federation, California State Federation of Labor and Los Angeles Amusement Federation. These desirable contacts made the going easier for the new Local and greatly strengthened its hand. When the results of the survey had crystallized into a document setting forth the views of the cameramen, the findings together with recommendations, were submitted to a committee composed of President Canavan; International Representative Frank Carothers, A. L. Berres, representative of the motion picture producers in union affairs. There were many delays, mainly because of the members of the committee being unable to synchronize their time owing to illness and absences abroad, but progress was made though its slowness was depressing to the waiting members of Local 659. On December 11, 1928, a brief of arguments showing why the Wage Scale and Conditions should become at once effective was filed with President Canavan, but delays persisted until well along into the present year when expectations of settlement began to be entertained and, on Mav 7, 1929, the famous document was signed and the labors of the devoted workers were crowned with success. But it was not until Sunday night May 13, that the great day came — the time of promulgation of the good news to the full membership of Local 659. The affair was held at the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the attendance represented every member that was not working or absent on location. On the platform, in addition to the Board of Executives and Officers of 659, were Frank Carothers, secretary of the International Committee; Ted Eckerson, Business Representative for Operators Local 150; William Scott, Business Representative for Stage Employees Local 33; Lou Blix, Business Representative for Studio Mechanics Local 37. . President Alvin Wyckoff was in the chair and delivered the opening address stressing loyalty to .the organ ization and thanked the membership for their patience and co-operation. Editor Snyder made a short talk on THE INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER and set forth briefly its plans and purpose. He was followed by Messrs. Carothers, Scott, Eckerson, Blix who paid enthusiastic tribute of admiration to the members of the committee of Local 659, who had so courageously and intelligently faced the brunt of the battle and had brought home the economic and ethical "bacon" while at the same time retaining the respect of and an entente cordiale with the producers and their representatives with whom the committee treated. The speakers agreed that the wage scale and bill of working conditions negotiated by the Committee set the kind in the history of the A. F. of L. and Brother Scott suggested life memberships in Local 659 for Brothers Rose, Reeves, Wyckoff and Hurd as a fitting reward for their labors. Arthur Reeves spoke briefly on the matter of equipment rentals and Roy Klaffki, one of the stalwart union boosters from the inception of the movement, expressed his gratification on the satisfactory outcome of the negotiations. To Chairman Jackson Rose of the Negotiations Committee, was given the honor of reading the official report to the assembled members and, as he proceeded to elucidate the provisions of the agreement, he outlined briefly the various steps taken during the conversations and recited the almost insurmontable difficulties the Committee found facing it at all times. Brother Rose performed his task in a workman-like manner and was heartily applauded as were all the speakers. Business Representative Howard E. Hurd gave the members instructions in regard to matters attendant upon putting the new wage scale into actual practice and the meeting adjourned after the photographer had done his smoky work. As the meeting broke up a printed copy of the "Wage Scale and Conditions" was presented to each member and, after an open forum on the curb in front of the Chamber, the consensus of opinion formed prevailing was that the cameramen of the Motion Picture Industry in Hollywood had attained their objective and that the new conditions of service would prove not only a blessing to the cameramen of all classes and their families, but also to their fellow craftsmen in other lines, to their employers, to the producers, and to the industry in general, through increased efficiency, the elimination of waste and happier living conditions. committee, accompanied them. In this our local was very fortunate for, not only did our president and secretary advise as to the proper manner to proceed, but very greatly assisted the min drawing up the present agreement. Mr. Currier proved a man of noble worth and sterling character and had it not been for his good judgment and timely suggestions the committee would have had a more difficult time with the completion of the work. They had many conferences with these executives and are proud to say that they had the entire confidence and respect of the distinguished visitors. COMING FAST It is worthy of especial mention that in February, 1928, we were honored by a visit from President Canavan and Secretary Richard Green, who evidently were convinced that the matters we had in hand were of sufficient importance to warrant their expenditure of time and money for the trip. Attorney Guy M. Currier, chairman of the Producers' WASHINGTON, (D. C.)— Marked gains have been made by Organized Labor in the first three months of the "double the membership" campaign of 1929, reports to American Federation of Labor headquarters show. Word from all over the country indicates Trade Unionists are co-operating heartily in the campaign. Some Unions have been very active during January, February and March, while others have not yet swung into the campaign with full energy, but have planned more aggressive work in the months to come. One of the Unions which has announced plans for a campaign is the Brotherhood of Railway Clerks, which began a six months' membership drive on April 1. City centrals are lining up in good shape: Birmingham, Ala., Organized Labor will make an intensive campaign beginning April 1. Philadelphia Unions also will make an energetic campaign. Los Angeles also has an effective campaign under way that is unique in its way. As far as its resources permit, the A. F. of L. is helping city centrals by assigning organizers to them during their campaigns. Frank Morrison, secretary of the A. F. of L., believes that solid progress has been made so far this year, and that 1929 will close with notable gains in Labor's ranks. He said that he had reported a gain of 26,000 Federation members since the last convention at the February meeting of the Executive Council and that he expected to be able to report still further gain at the next meeting, to be held in Washington^ beginning May 28. He said that even greater efforts are needed, and he charged every Trade Unionist to get into the campaign with a vim, determined to make 1929 a notable year in Union progress. o ALL MEMBERS TAKE NOTICE Our good friend, Edward O. Blackburn, general manager of J. E. Brulatour, Inc., desires that all members of Local 659 keep in mind that the new Eastman Service building and all it contains is for the use of all the several classifications of cameramen and nothing will please Mr. Blackburn more than to have the building constantly in use. That's what it's for. Use it.