Jurisdictional disputes in the motion-picture Industry : hearings before a special subcommittee of the Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, Eightieth Congress, first-session, pursuant to H. Res. 111 (1948)

1402 MOTION-PICTURE JURISDICTIONAL DISPUTES If I need any help from counsel in clearing up any of the questions, I will he only too happy to call upon them. Mr. HuTCHESON. Mr. Chairman, I have here a copy of the clari- fication [reading] : Chairman Knight, of the Hollywood jurisdictional committee, stated the com- mittee has decided to report in lieu of what was submitted this morning, i. e., Chicago, 111., August 16, 1946. Pursuant to instructions handed down by the executive council at its session held on August 15, 1946, the Hollywood jurisdic- tional committee reviewed the work division applicable to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Jointers of America as set forth in the committee's decision dated December 26, 1945, and reaffirmed its previous decision. You will note, Mr. Chairman, in the minutes there they now say "decision" instead of "directive," so they use both terms. In the minutes I just read they refer to their decision rather than their directive. [Continuing:] The committee took cognizance of the allegations contained in a report sub- mitted to President Green by Organizer Daniel F. Flanagan under date of August 9, 1946; according to a brief embodied therein. Studio Carpenters 946, U. B. C. and J. of A., alleges that certain violations have taken place whereby the carpen- ters' jurisdiction set forth in the directive lias been encroaclied upon. Jurisdic- tion over the erection of sets on stages was awarded to the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Moving Picture Operators of the United States and Canada under tiie provisions set forth in section 8 of the decision, which specifically excluded trim and millwork on said sets and stages. The word "erection" is construed to mean assembling of such sets on stages or locations. It is to be clearly understood that the committee recognizes jurisdiction over con- struction work on such sets as coming within the purview of the United Brother- hood of Carpenters and Joiners of America's jurisdiction. Sections 2 to 5, inclusive, recognize the rightful jurisdiction of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America on all mill work and car- penter work in connection with studios; all work in carpenter shops, all perma- nent construction, and all construction work on exterior sets. In view of the alleged violations, the committee hereby directs that all participating in the Hollywood motion picture studio dispute strictly adhere to the provisions of the directive handed down on December 26, 1945. Signed by the committee. Vice President Hutcheson stated the writing of the committee's memorandum can be interpreted in such a way as to cause confusion. He stated in building- trades languages the word "erection" is used in connection with the building of a building. He stated the committee, as he sees it, has. tried to clarify that and stated the carpenters have all mill and trim work. He stated that trim on an ordinary building is made in the mill. He stated the carpenters contended the lATSE members of the mechanics' union are doing carpenter work, as he read in the telegram from the carpenters' representative in Holly- wood this morning. Vice President Hutcheson stated the carpenters produce what is referred to as a set, which is used in pictures, then removed and stored for future use. If it can be used again the same way, the carpenters are making no claim for that, but from the telegram read this morning from the carpenters' building representative, the lATSE claims the committee decision gave them the erection of sets on stages. President Green stated he understands that Chairman Knight had said that the committee intends to say the carpenters build the sets and deliver them to the stage, and then the members of the lATSE set them up. Vice President Hutcheson stated that he has said over and over again the carpenters claim this work when the sets are built on the stage. He contended that tlie word "erection" is going to caus;e confusion. Vice President Hutcheson contended the committee used the word "erection" as to mean the assembling of sets on stages and locations. He stated if they can add two words to that it would clarify* it, by adding "already built." He stated then that would be a clarification. Vice President Doherty stated he would vote "no" to this addition. Vice President Birthright stated he thought the committee covered it the best wav they could.