International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1947)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT By HARRY SHERMAN THE applicability of the Taft-Hartley law to motion picture projectionists seems headed for an early judicial determination as a result of the suit filed recently by the Fontana (Calif.) Theatre against IA Local 577 (San Bernardino) . The dispute centers around the hiring by the theatre of a part-time, non-union projectionist, which prompted Local 577 to picket the house. Penalty of $100 a day damage, as provided by the T-H law, is asked of the Local. The IA stand on this question was set forth by President Richard Walsh in a letter sent out to all Local Unions on September 15 last. Said Walsh, in part: "No decisions have yet been rendered under the new law to define its meaning in various aspects and to clarify the scope of its applicability. In the absence of any such decision, it is the position of the Alliance that Local Unions in the exhibition field are not covered by the Taft-Hartley law, and unless and until there is an appropriate determination to the contrary, the Alliance intends to continue to maintain that policy." The IA position, which extends even to those men working for circuits which may have houses throughout several states, has been buttressed by various Washington and local rulings to the same effect. While the IA has thus far shown no disposition to seek a showdown on the T-H law, it is felt that the Fontana case is welcome as a means for effecting final determination of the question. • According to a survey of 185 companies, released by the National Industrial Conference Board, extra vacation allowances for long-service employes and more paid holidays for wage-earners are two significant developments in vacation and holiday practices. The study showed that 51% of the reporting companies pay wage-earners for holidays not worked, with most of the companies granting from 6 to 12 paid holidays per year. Very interesting facts and worth while remembering. • The injured knee of Jim Biggerstaff, business agent of Local 290, Winnipeg, Canada, is not deterring him from pursuing his usual activities. Jim is one of our more capable Local Union officials and knee injury or no, he still is a thorn in the sides of exhibitors who find him a pretty smart customer to deal with. • It takes more than a couple of torn ankle ligaments to keep a good man down. Ralph Root, business agent of Local 236, Birmingham, Ala., must have been star-gazing when he stepped into CLEVELAND LOCAL 160 STAGES SURPRISE PARTY IN HONOR OF SECRETARY VICTOR WELMAN AND HIS BRIDE Practically the entire membership of Local 160 and many prominent civic and labor leaders in Cleveland turned out to honor Vic Welman and his bride, the former Elsie Berg, at a surprise party given by the Local. Standing at the >speakers' table, left to right, are: Mr. Schwartz and Mr. Kalafat, president and labor representative, respectively, of the Exhibitors Association; Michael Sawdo, L. 160 vice-president; Art Hopcraft, master of ceremonies; Wm. P. Raoul, I. A. general secretary-treasurer; Harland Holmden, business agent, L. 160; Clarence W. Grugle, secretary of L. 27; Mrs. and Mr. Victor A. Welman; Jack Fitzgerald, president, L. 27 and I. A. representative; Wm. Finegan, business agent, L. 27 and secretary Cleveland Federation of Labor; and Jack Burns, president, Cleveland Federation of Labor. 20 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST • October 1947