International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1950)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT By HARRY SHERMAJS PUBLICATION in the last and current issues of IP of a list of those men who have served their local unions for 25 years and more brings to mind again one of our pet projects — that of rendering simple justice to such long-term union officials. The talk on all sides these days is for some form of security for projectionists working in theaters, and we have strongly endorsed such agreements. But what of the man who for a quarter of a century and more has served these very projectionists who are so pension-conscious? The Loew and RKO circuits, along with many smaller combinations and independent one-theater operators, have instituted pension plans which provide a degree of security for projectionists who have worked 20 or 25 years with the company. This is all to the good, and we're for it — all out. But what of the man who works for the union itself? Is he to be deprived of the very benefits which he works so long and hard to obtain for his members? There is another very important angle to this matter. It is not outside the realm of possibility that a union official may serve his men for a score of years only to be defeated in a given election. We all have seen this happen — and sometimes the unsuccessful candidate is not even given a good projection job. We say that charity properly begins at home, among our own people, and surely is this true within a labor union. We repeat: let's take care of our longterm union officials not only as an act of simple justice but as a potent reminder to all employers that security should extend to all. • An all-out effort is being made by the entire motion picture industry to repeal the 20% Federal tax on theater admissions. President Walsh has pledged the support of the entire IA in this drive and has sent letters to all Local Unions urging the members to cooperate with the various committees in their communities. "The 20% tax is seriously hurting the box office," said Walsh. "The public, with leaner purse, now resents the tax and is limiting its movie-going. Relief from the tax will surely help theater business; and whatever helps the box office helps the men and women who work in the industry. Every IA member has a personal stake in this fight." Incidentally, Walsh was named to serve as a member of the National Labor Committee of the 1950 Heart Campaign. • Refreshments, buffet and music marked the opening last month of Neumade Products Corp.'s new headquarters in the McGraw-Hill Bldg., New York City. GROUP PICTURE TAKEN AT TMA BROOKLYN LODGE NO. 30 INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS Front row (I. to r.): Mae Wallach; Sylvia Scheiner; Sam Nichenholtz; Ben Norton, president of Lodge 30; Philip Hitter, Grand secretary-treasurer; W. W. Friedman, Grand trustee. Back row (I. to r.): Reg Wallach; Harry Bluming; Joe Scheiner; Rose Hitter; Harry Axelrod; Mitchell Faber; M. Katz; Sylvia Katz; Gus Michaels; J. Axelrod; Irene and Max Lepson. Oscar Neu, head of the organization, is one of the most genial hosts it has been our pleasure to meet, and he spared no effort to make this shindig one long to be remembered. • Nate Golden, member of Cleveland Local 160 for more than three decades, and head of the motion picture section of the U. S. Department of Commerce, was named chairman of the membership committee of Variety Tent No. 11, Washington, D. C. • Tragedy stalked the projection room of the State Theater in Harrisburg, Penna., when two of its projectionists, both members of Local 488, died within a few days of each other. Several weeks ago Charlie Reed, member of the Local executive board, attended the funeral of Jim Leone, and shortly after reporting for work that same day was fatally stricken with an attack of coronary occlusion. Charlie and Jim worked on opposite shifts and relieved each other. • George F. Raaflaub, secretary of Local 376, Syracuse, N. Y., finally made the Shrine and is now a full-fledged member of Tigris Temple of Syracuse. • More than 500 members attended the February meeting of Chicago Local 110 and unanimously re-elected all officers of the present administration, with the exception of its business representative, who was re-elected in 1948 for a five-year term. The terms of all other offices expired after a two-year period. Gene Atkinson, business representative, was given unanimous votes of confidence and of thanks for his splendid work in bringing Local 110 to the forefront as one of the most progressive Local Unions in the Alliance. The Local 110 welfare plan, entirely employer-contributed, has been hailed throughout the IA as a pacesetter for other Local Unions. • R. H. McCullough, supervisor of theater construction for National Theaters, spent several days in New York recently on his way to Israel and Egypt, where he will conduct a survey on theater building 20 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST • February 1950