International projectionist (Nov-Dec 1933)

Smash the Vicious Overage Grab! AN EDITORIAL THAT interpretation of the motion picture code labor section which shifts the burden of the overage in hours to the backs of the workers is thoroughly vicious, is indicative of either gross stupidity or moral cowardice — and is directly contrary to the general policy of the NRA as expressed in the labor provisions of scores of codes for other industries. Elsewhere in this issue appear the results of an exhaustive investigation conducted by International Projectionist into the labor provisions of 61 codes for major and minor industries. What worker in the motion picture field can read these results without a blush of shame? For V/M>t one of these 61 industries has subjected its workers to such an outrageous injustice as that which apparently will be inflicted upon the motion picture worker through the medium of "interpretations" which hold that the cost of the hours of labor in excess of the 40-hour maximum established by the code shall be borne by the worker. The question immediately arises: Why, out of 62 codes for all classes of industry, is the motion picture industry the only one which permits its workers to be socked in the jaw — and tries to force its workers to take that sock in the jaw lying down? We think we mentioned previously the possible answers: (1) stupidity, or (2) moral cowardice. We say that the workers in the theatre field not only do not have to take this sock in the jaw lying down, but they dont have to take it all. For a number of reasons, among which are (1) the motion picture code is silent on this question, but this silence does not in itself validate any interpretation thus far placed on code language, whether by an individual, by an organization, or by the Deputy Administrator himself; (2) such an interpretation is absolutely opposed to both the well-advertised spirit and intent of the NRA and to the general practice of the NRA as expressed in the labor provisions for numerous other codes, including those 61 codes, citations from which appear elsewhere in this issue, and (3) such an interpretation can be tipped over veiy neatly and with comparatively little effort. Imagine broadcasting to thousands of working men the message that they who now work more than 40 hours a week — whether 42, 44, 48 or, as in the many cases of stagehands, 52, 56 and 64 hours per week — just imagine telling these men that for every hour of work they lose until they reach the 40-hour limit, they will have to lose a proportionate amount of their wages! By way of illustration let's consider a projectionist or a stagehand who today works 52 hours a week and receives a wage of $52. To come within the limit of the picture code, as interpreted by the "best minds", this worker would have to part with $12 of his weekly wage, or a cut of 23 % . How's this for a nice little Xmas present? What an NRA this has turned out to be — spreading employment at the expense of the worker! This plan certainly was inspired — by whom or what we are unable to perceive. Those who oppose this absurd ruling on overages need not think that they are alone in their stand. Any number of individuals and organizations — including Local No. 1, an I.A.T.S.E. stagehand affiliate in New York City — have rejected the labor provisions in toto and now have their faces definitely set against it. The job ahead is to organize, or, rather, synchronize the protests which are bound to pile up against this ridiculous interpretation of the picture code labor clauses. International Projectionist recommends to those who are being made to suffer by reason of this preposterous interpretation — whether individual, group, or organization — that they immediately file a protest against this deal with their respective Regional Compliance Boards, and, at the same time, write or wire their protests to Administrator Hugh Johnson of the NRA at Washington, D. C. Don't think you are standing alone in this fight. This is exactly what those who are trying to hoodwink you would like to have you believe. You are not alone — far from it. Scores of individuals and many organizations already have filed their protests against this overage in hours interpretation. Hundreds of other individuals and scores of other organizations will join in the fight tomorrow, or the next day. Let your protest go to swell the roar of those who refuse to stand idly by and be silenced merely by the braying of an ass. Let your protest go to swell a tidal wave huge enough to sweep over and destroy those who would deprive you of the just fruits of your labor, won by years of worry and toil. Do it now! For our part, we stand ready to serve you in any way possible. If you desire information on any phase of the motion picture code; if in doubt as to the correct method of procedure in any contingency; if you require references or citations from codes in other industries in order to guide you properly, or if you desire information relative to what other sections of the country are doing with respect to the question of overages in hours or any other code problem — the Code Department of International Projectionist stands ready to serve you. Gratis, of course. Only gaudy fronts are expensive — and expansive. Start swinging a theoretical baseball bat against those who would rob you of your rights — of your wages. And keep your eye on the ball. Pass along to us a report of your activities, and we'll use it to strengthen your hand. Good luck! JAMES J. FINN [20]