International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1947)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT HEALTH insurance and other benefits for the families of union members is rapidly being recognized as an integral part of labor contracts. Recently the Upholsters International Union (UIU) reached an agreement with more than 1,200 firms in that industry extending hospital insurance to the wives of union members, and to their children ranging in age between three months and eighteen years. The agreement provides for hospital benefits of $4 per day for a maximum of 31 days for each disability, and up to ten days for maternity cases. In the event of sickness or accident, members covered by this program will receive 60% of their wages, with free medical, surgical and hospital care. Death benefits range from $500 to $1,000, depending upon the term of employment. Under this plan, employers contribute three per cent of the wages earned by members under contract. The UIU officials had high praise for the employers who consented to the increased benefits for the workers without making added charges for them. • Returning home from a union meeting, Howard Kennar, member of Syracuse Local 376, drove his car into his garage and alighted while the car rolled back on an incline, pinning him between the door of the garage and the car. When the accident was discovered, Kennar was beyond all medical aid, having been choked to death. He is survived by his wife and a son, Edward Vincent Kennar. • Abe Zumar, secretary of Local 257, Ottawa, Canada for many years, is a very resourceful individual. Not being content with his income as projectionist, he also heads the radio department of one of the largest department stores in Ottawa. • Another crony of our youthful days has become eligible for membership in the ever-widening A. K. Club. Red Rupard, member of Dallas Local 249, informed us recently of his daughter's marriage and impending motherhood. Okay, Red, a rocking chair is awaiting you. • We are happy to report that Charlie Heath, member of Boston Local 182 and projectionist for RKO, for many years has recovered from his recent illness and has returned to his job. • We take our hat off to Charlie Dentelbeck, chief projectionist for Canadian Famous Players circuit, for his sincere deep concern for the well-being of his fellow workers. During our recent visit to Toronto we learned that Bill Ayers, old-time member of Toronto Local 173 and projectionist employed by Famous 10th DISTRICT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE, I. A. CLEVELAND CONVENTION, JUNE, 1938 (1) Glenn Humphrey (deceased), Utica L. 337; Wally Byrne, New York L. 306; James Lemke (deceased), Troy L. 29 and former I. A. president; Harry Brooks (deceased), Troy L. 285; Mike Mungoven, Rochester L. 25; Sal Scoppa, New York L. 52; Tom Murtha, Brooklyn L. 4; Arthur Martens, Westchester L. 650. Players, sailed for Europe last summer on the Acquitania. He was taken ill on the boat and when it docked at Southampton he was rushed to a hospital where he remained for six weeks. Upon his return to Canada he was bedded by his physician for another seven months. Hearing of Ayers ill fortune, Dentelbeck appealed to the officials of the circuit (of which our very good friend, John Fitzgibbons is president) with the result that Famous Players put Bill on full pay for two weeks, and on half pay for an additional six weeks. After that he received $75 per month until he was well enough to return to his job at the Tivoli Theatre. Charlie Dentelbeck did more than give lip service to a brother in distress — as so many of us are apt to do — he really went to bat for him. • Out-of-town visitors to the offices of I. P. last month included Herb Aller, business agent of Cameramen's Local 659 and Ted Ellsworth, business agent of Costumers Local 706, both of Hollywood, Calif. Bert Ryde, business agent of Buffalo Local 233, was another out-oftown visitor. • We record here the passing of another old-timer, Harry Engle, 78, business agent of Local 139, Schnectady, N. Y. Harry had been in ill health for quite some time and had been failing steadily. He was one of the "regulars" at I. A. Conventions, having represented his Local at these gatherings for many, many years. • A peculiar situation has developed in Syracuse, N. Y. Syracuse Local 376 is seeking a six-day contract to which the exhibitors object with the lame excuse that if granted, other Local Unions in surrounding territories would make similar demands. Ours is one of the very few organized crafts where a man is expected to work seven days a week, including all legal holidays, without extra pay. Although this condition has been corrected in many spots throughout the country, we believe that there still is much to be done to put the projectionist craft on an equal footing with other organized crafts where working conditions are concerned. 22 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST December 1947