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)

MOTION-PICTURE JURISDICTIONAL DISPUTES 2191 unions. The lA assumed this responsibility only after we were certain that it was impossible to reach an honorable settlement with those persons who are conducting this strike against the lATSE. This strike was called, presumably, because of a controversy over set dressers, the total number of which is 77, but of which number only 52 worked for the major producers. A great deal has been said to convey the impression that the controversy arose because of an arbitrary position by the lATSE, but a complete review of the case will show beyond contradiction that had the painters union observed the proper governmental and trade-union procedure for handling such matters, the controversy would never have arisen. Brierty, let me say that in January of 1944, the lATSE had made a claim for the right to represent the set dressers because a substantial number of them had always belonged to the lA. In denying the request of the lA for recognition as the'bargaining agency for these men, the producers promised the lA that neither it nor any other union would be recognized as the bargaining agency until such union had been certified by the National Labor Relations Board. In October of 1944 the painters union presented its case to the National Labor Relations Board so that it might be certified, but withdrew when the lA was allowed an opportunity to present its position in the matter. As everyone knows, a strike was called in an effort to force the producers to recognize the painters as the bargaining agency, irrespective of the rights of the lATSE under the National Labor Relations Act. Since that time the painters union has made a series of threats which have apparently influenced some governmental agencies, but all of which have been for the purpose of keeping the dispute from the proper governmental tribunal, the National Labor Relations Board. Finally, these threats culminated in the actual strike which took place on March 12, more than a month ago. There was no more .iustification for the March 12 strike than there was for the October 5 strike, but now we all recognize that the set dressers' dispute was only the excuse for the March 12 strike and not the real reason for it. The real reason was the demand on the part of the carpenters and other crafts for the .iurisdiction which the lA unions have enjoyed, and they apparently feel that with the war shortage of manpower, this was their opportunity "to take it by force. The lA has responded in the only way that it could respond, by preventing these unions from shutting down the studios. For 3 weeks every possible effort was made by the lATSE to bring about an honorable settlement of this dispute. At the end of that time it was very evident to everyone that there was no basis for an honorable settlement ; that the only adjustment that could be arrived at was a settlement which would desroy the jurisdiction which the lATSE has fought for an enjoyed for many years. The decision was therefore made that the lA would not surrender, but that it would defend itself with all the power at its command. On Tuesday night of this week a carpenter's local was charatered and is now known as local No. 787 of the lATSB. On Thursday night, the Motion Picture Studio Painters, Local No. 7S8 of the lATSE was chartered. In addition to these locals, there will be a local charter for machinists, and if necessary for other crafts. We are proceeding in accordance with our agreement with the producers to man the studios. If you as a former employee of tlie studios want to come back we are anxious to have you do so and we shall make it as easy as iwssible for you. To this end, I want to inform you that those men who came back at once will be taken into these newly established unions without the payment of any initiation fee. You will be given membership in an autonomous local union of the lATSE, which will elect its own oflScers, negotiate its own agreements, and otherwise conduct its own affairs as a local union, in accordance with the constitution and bylaws of the lATSE. I hope that you will decide to come back to work in the studios, but if you do not we will have to bring in the men necessary to man tJiese studios. They must and will be kept rolling — for the protection of the thousands of our members and their families whose livelihood depends upon the moving-picture industry. I recognize the diflSculty which you as an individual workman must face in making this decision, but in making it we ask you — do not be deceived by the men who led you out on this strike and have since made promise after promise all of which have been successively broken. As the International President of the lATSE I assure you that having assumed this jurisdiction, we will stake the entire strength of the International Alliance on our efforts to retain it. We believe — we know — we will be successful. In