Spotlite Fall 2007

SpoTlite
Theatrical Protective
Union Local No. One
IATSE, AFL-CIO, CLC
Organized 1886
FALL 2007
political action committee
third annual golf event successfully held
It is incumbent on every
generation to pay its
own debt as it goes.
A principle which if
acted on would save
one-half the wars of the
world.
– Thomas Jefferson
The event of the summer lives
on, carrying the Local forward in
terms of power and influence garnered
by engaging in what is real in politics.
Our tragic loss this past year caused
the event to be renamed “The Donald
B. Kleinschmidt Memorial Golf Outing” in support of the NYC Stagehands
NYS Political Action Committee. It is
held to help raise funds to support efforts that will promote a labor agenda
through these antagonistic times.
Continued on pg. 9
Table of Contents
cover story
1, 8-9
president’s letter
2, 15
secretary’s letter
3
treasurer’s letter
4
pac Golf pix
5
tully & fund pix
7
tube talk
10
50 year luncheon
11-14
Page 2
SPOTLITE
Fall 2007
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As we close out another summer, there are several items to note before I go to our most serious
challenge in many years: our negotiations on Broadway with the League of American Theatres and Producers.
I, along with Business Managers Wekselblatt and McMahon as well as Secretary Score, attended the
summer IATSE General Executive Board meeting held in St. Louis. The Board meetings remain productive as
the avenue to compare common problems shared thruought the United States and Canada by our 110,000 IA
brothers and sisters. As always, a majority of this focus continues to be the reports of organizing campaigns and
the fact that strength in numbers is indisputable.
As has been reported for months now, Local One had been engaged in its own organizing campaign with
the Manhattan Theatre Club and I’m very proud to report that two new theatres are added to our jurisdiction
after twenty years. These two theatres now seal up all of City Center as completely union with new members
and more jobs for our membership. Organizer Dan Gilloon, Business Manager Kevin McGarty and I led a
terrific committee to its very first collective bargaining agreement and congratulations are certainly in order.
Other negotiations recently completed were the Mitzi Newhouse Theatre, Carnegie Hall and a serious
battle with NBCU which at press time is near completion. The TV Business Agents and the NBCU committee
continue to be strong and knowledgeable in their pursuit to preserve our conditions and most notably our
jurisdiction. All these new agreements will be reviewed at upcoming membership meetings.
Local One Fund Trustees Score, McDonough and I are planning once again to offer retiree luncheons
in New York on October 28 and two locations in Florida in early December. Our Florida retirees have been
inquiring about another luncheon since we went three years ago. We greeted them, provided information and
answered questions about concerns and needs that they had. It was a terrific experience and I’m looking forward
to seeing this union’s building blocks again.
The Pension Fund trustees hope to make some positive announcements about improvements that we
have been researching for a year and hope management trustees will approve within the next couple of months.
Both Pension and Welfare Funds are finally realizing the additional contributions negotiated from thirty-two
consecutive contracts. While our Welfare Fund status is currently flat, we need to address a projected deficit
in 2009. We continue with the hope that positive political changes will help improve our national healthcare
system.
Our Political Action Committee continues to grow monetarily as we also grow in influence, visibility
and stature. I am extremely pleased to report that our PAC Fund has now accumulated over $100,000. As
you know, a majority of our PAC Funds is due to the success of our renamed fund raiser, The Donald B.
Kleinschmidt Memorial Golf Outing. Treasurer Toby McDonough and the entire PAC committee of volunteers
deserve our thanks. Our PAC fund continues to help us gain the influence we need in the political world and
your support will only continue to help yourself.
Local One has kept all its political ties appraised of a potential labor dispute on Broadway. We also
continue to meet regularly with the leadership of Actors Equity and the American Federation of Musicians
Union Local 802.
Continued on pg. 15
fall 2007
SPOTLITE
PAGE 3
FROM THE DESK OF THE RECORDING-CORRESPONDING SECRETARY…
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The success of the Local One Political Action Committee’s Golf Event and Fundraiser was due to the
leadership of Co-Chairs James J. Claffey, Jr. and Robert “Toby” McDonough and all the volunteer efforts
by the Brothers and Sisters who participate in the PAC meetings. The discussions at PAC meetings lead to
actions taken in regards to politicians and policy. The renewed PAC has firmly established relationships with
elected officials on Local, State and Federal levels. Some of those being NYC Council Members Helen Sears,
Gail Brewer, Eric Gioia, Robert Jackson, Rosie Mendez and David Weprin; Manhattan Borough President
Scott Stringer; NYS Senators Eric Schneiderman, Liz Kreuger, Diane Savino and Bill Perkins; United States
Congressmen John Hall and Anthony Wiener. We also have strong ties to key staff and personnel working for
those officials and that can be extremely important for access to their bosses.
The PAC is working feverishly on attaining a hearing of Resolution 75 before the Health Committee of
the New York City Council. The approval of Resolution 75 would be an endorsement of Rep. John Conyers (DMI) HR Bill 676, which calls for a single-payer health care system for all. The debate concerning health care
is raging in all political races, particularly amongst the Presidential candidates from both the Democratic and
Republican Parties. Polls show that it is a toss up between health care and the war in Iraq as to which issue is
first on the minds of all Americans.
I believe that supporting our uniformed men and women stationed throughout the world is a priority
for all of us at home. I pray for their safe return from what can now only be viewed as an ill conceived and
poorly advised exercise imposed by an anti-Union and anti-Labor administration whose agenda is difficult to
understand. The reallocation of the billions of dollars being spent on the war to the American citizens losing
their jobs and their homes, for the education of our children, for the senior citizens whose lives have become
stressful, to feed the poor, to help those most in need of America’s assistance, needs to begin NOW. A form
of government imposed upon a culture that has little interest in such an endeavor is foolhardy and wasteful of
human life and energy. I implore all of you to listen closely to the messages coming from those politicians
seeking your support and when the time comes, choose carefully. Your life and your children’s lives will surely
be affected by whom you vote for.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Robert C. Score
Recording-Corresponding Secretary
SPOTLITE
PAGE 4
fall 2007
TREASURER’S UPDATE
As the fall season comes upon us, I hope all of you had a safe, wonderful summer. Our summer
was highlighted by the Local One Golf Outing. The NYC Stagehands New York State PAC – Donald B.
Kleinschmidt Memorial Golf Outing was very successful. The threat of rain was upon us for most of the day,
but we finished with just a few drops at the end. It is pretty obvious an outing of this magnitude cannot be
done alone, so thanks first, to all of you who played, all of our sponsors and of course, the Local One PAC
Committee, with a special thanks to Ed Santini for his Hole In One Sponsorship.
As most of you know, as of July 1st, we transitioned the Long Term Disability into the General
Fund. The new company’s name is First Reliance Standard. It should be noted that with this change, the Life
Insurance switched from Met Life to First Reliance Standard as well, with the “Buy-Ups” currently in place.
The transition so far has been seamless and for the most part, painless. I ask all the members who have not filled
out a First Reliance beneficiary form (even for the basic $50,000 policy), to do so and return it to the Treasurer’s
Office as soon as possible. Forms can be obtained at the Treasurer’s Office and, for your convenience, can also
be e-mailed to you as well. All members who participate in all of the Union’s and the related welfare, pension
and annuity funds should make sure to have up-to-date beneficiary designation cards on file with both the Union
and Fund offices.
I am happy to report that the months of June, July and August, we were in the black. In your September
Monthly Notice, you received the Annual Consolidated Financial Statement, complete with notes. As always, if
you have any questions, please give me a call.
The Summary Plan Description (SPD) is being finalized to include all Union Benefits, inclusive of the
Life Insurance, Dental, as well as the Long Term Disability. This booklet will describe each benefit in detail to
give the members a better understanding of each benefit provided to you.
As all of you know, negotiations with the League are continuing. Our Special Assessment Program
is in place and functioning. Thanks to all the Stewards who have reported in a timely fashion. This assists
the Treasurer’s office in regards to the administration of the Assessment. Also, thanks to the foresight of the
membership to pass the resolution to place an additional 10% of our 4% income into the Defense Fund. Because
of this foresight, our Defense Fund is more than capable of dealing with any strike or lockout. To summarize,
we are PREPARED for any potential battle now and in the future.
To summarize – all new benefits are in place, the special assessment is being administered, detailed
financial reports are completed, the new SPD is being finalized and the Defense Fund is prepared.
I would like to personally thank my staff, Bookkeeper Lyudmila Vasilchenko and Executive Assistant
Cynthia Williamston, as well as Financial Secretary Anthony Manno for their dedication and hard work. As the
work load increases, they never blink an eye.
Fraternally, Robert “Toby” McDonough
Treasurer SPOTLITE
fall 2007
PAGE 5
recent local one PAC connections
NY State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-35
S.D., Yonkers) and PAC Co-chair McDonough
Treasurer McDonough and NY City Council
Speaker Christine Quinn (D-District 3, West Side)
Vice President Willie Walters, NY City Councilmember Gail Brewer (D-District 6, Upper West
Side) and Business Manager Ed McMahon III
NY State Senator Liz Kreuger (D-26 S.D., Manhattan West Side) and President James Claffey, Jr.
NY State Assemblyman Richard Gottfried (D-75
A.D., Manhattan) and Treasurer McDonough
theatrical
protective union
local no. ONE,
iatse, afl-cio, clc
SPOTLITE
the Official Newsletter of
Local No. One, IATSE
New York City Stagehands
320 West 46th Street
Organized in 1886, Local Number One has served the
entertainment community in theatre, television, and
other entertainment venues proudly and professionally.
Our experience and knowledge covers the range of
expertise required for any application with over three
thousand members covering an expanding jurisdiction
throughout the greater New York metropolitan area. From
fabrication to installation to safe operation, we can do it.
officers
President James J. Claffey, jr.; Vice President Willie Walters; Treasurer Robert “Toby”
McDonough; Recording-Corresponding Secretary Robert C. Score; Chairman, Board
of Trustees John M. Diaz, sr.; Theatrical Business Managers Michael Wekselblatt and
Kevin McGarty; Television Business Managers Robert Nimmo and Edward McMahon, III;
Trustees William Ngai and Daniel Dashman; Replacement Room Officer Daniel Thorn;
Administrative Secretary Edmond Supple, sr.; and Financial Secretary Anthony Manno
New York, New York 10036-3845
212-333-2500
Fax: 212-399-6691
Chair and Editor:
William Ngai
Staff: David Cohen, Daniel
Dashman, Jennifer Pesce Fagant,
Denise Ozker, Charles Richardson,
Mary Wills-Schulherr, Willie Walters
Visit: www.iatselocalone.org
Past editions available Online
All
questions, comments
and submissions greatly
appreciated
Upcoming Monthly Membership
Meeting dates are:
September 16, 2007
Members, Please Note:
Whenever you have a change of
— address
— named or number of beneficiaries
— marital status
— number of covered dependents
(even a new cell phone number or email
address too)
PLEASE inform
the RecordingCorresponding Secretary and Treasurer’s
office
as soon as possible!
October 28, November 18, December 16
come to your
union meetings!
it’s informative and
part of your duty as
a member.
It is vitally important to keep this info
up to date as any changes regarding the
above can have serious consequences.
FALL 2007
SPOTLITE
closing night celebration at alice tully hall
L to R: Recording-Corresponding Secretary Robert Score, President James Claffey, Jr., Propertymaster Frank Ferrante, Electrician Robert Jacobi, Business Managers Mike Wekselblatt and Kevin
McGarty, Carpenter Arthur Connaughton. Reopening after renovations is expected in late 2008.
2007 actors fund gala festivities
L to R: President James Claffey, Jr., Actors Fund Executive Director Joseph Benincasa, Business Manager Kevin McGarty, Recording-Corresponding Secretary Robert Score, Business
Manager Robert Nimmo, Actors Fund President Brian Stokes Mitchell. Photo by Jay Brady.
PAGE 7
Page 8
SPOTLITE
FALL 2007
Clockwise from above:
IA Brothers Brian Lawlor, Anthony DePaulo, Matt
Loeb, Dan Mahoney
Below: Joe McCormick, Jeff Del Grosso, Tom Bennett, John Bliss
Below left: Brother Bob Fehrbach, Joe Patria, Hank
Reynolds, Nick Lord
Left: Brian Lawlor and Tony DePaulo graciously allowing Mr. Black Bear to play through on his own
course
Upper left: Tim McDonough, two guests, Ryan McDonough
12 o’ clock: Russell Lynn, Ed White, Dennis White
SPOTLITE
FALL 2007
Left to Right: Ray Van Ness, Kenney McDonough,
Mike Spillane, Chris Wiggins
PAC Co-chairman Toby McDonough along with
the volunteer committee ably handled the many details to
make the event a success. Now in its third year of fundraising, the PAC is finally resting on a better financial footing
than it has ever been on before.
The PAC is slowly engaging in activities and making connections a union over 120 years old needs to have.
The past inaction is passed. The PAC is now acting on a
long term gradual process which transcends office holders
Left to right: Mike Wekselblatt, Jim Rosencrans,
Aarne Lofgren
page 9
Left to right: Jim Marini, Jason Hamilton, Anthony
and Melissa Manno
and transitory issues. Educating political leaders as to who
we are and where our interests lie is an effort worth waging for you. As members, by being active in supporting the
Golf or other event or learning about whom or what issue
we choose to support helps us all. As members, be aware of
the PAC recommendations so that you should at least know
who you should vote for at the ballot box that will serve
your economic interests. Please continue to support your
PAC as it supports you.
Left to right: Brother Alan Lampel, Mike Lyons,
Brendan Quigley, Mike Pitzer
L to R: Joe Kronyak, Tiko Lin, Ken
Cepalo, Matty Cepalo
PAGE 10
SPOTLITE
FALL 2007
Tube Talk
By Bob Nimmo
During the summer season there were several
significant developments in the New York broadcasting market that affect Local One members. The August
30, 2007 closing of the Sony/BMG studio on 53rd St.
has created a definite shortage of large, quality space
available for TV production in Manhattan. Over the
years Local One has had significant employment at the
Sony facility both through a house contract and by being brought in by outside vendors. In addition to doing the first series of “Millionaire” shows for Buena
Vista Television at Sony, recently many of the shows
produced for the Game Show Network were done at
the facility under Local One agreements. The last and
most recent pilot done at Sony was “The Power of
Ten” hosted by Drew Carey. The show was picked up
by CBS as a summer replacement.
With CBS ordering episodes and Sony
scheduled to close their doors, Local One along
with the producers and others began a search to find
another facility in Manhattan to do the production.
An acceptable, available space was not found that
would permit the shows to be completed in the period
necessary for airing. The decision was made to do the
show at Kaufman Astoria studios in Long Island City,
out of Local One’s jurisdiction. An overall production
plan was crafted between Local One, the IA, the
show’s producers and The Lighting Design Group that
included Local One, at the show’s request, to continue
to service the show while bringing other IA Local’s that
were not previously involved with the production. This
arrangement insured valuable summer employment for
our Local One Brothers and Sisters while maintaining
their benefit contributions. As of this date it has not
yet been announced if “The Power of Ten” will be a
regular on the fall CBS schedule.
The networks were also busy this summer
with major activity occurring at what is now called
NBC Universal or NBCU. The 3rd floor at 30 Rock
has undergone major renovations to implement the
MSNBC broadcast operation that has moved into
Manhattan from Secaucus, NJ. The Studio 3A and 3C
side of the 3rd floor were completely gutted and new
space configured. Studio 3C will remain the home of
“Nightly News” while MSNBC will broadcast their
main news programming from the new Studio 3A.
MSNBC will also be using Studio 3K once renovations
are completed. While Local One welcomes the
potential for increased employment with MS coming
into 30 Rock, as of the date of this writing, Sept.1,
2007, the Union and the Company have not agreed as
to how the MSNBC studios will be serviced. Meetings
are scheduled between the Union and the Company. I
remain guardedly optimistic that in the next Spotlight
you will read about a favorable outcome to the
situation.
At the CBS Broadcast Center, Studio 50 and
59 continue to be busy but with definite economic
restraints being felt by all those associated with
“Guiding Light.”
With rumors of reconfiguration of the studios
circulating, ABC continues to be busy. Local One
was diligent in pursuing the new summer ABC show
“I Caught,” insuring that Local One employees are
assigned to cover the stagehand work of the production
that is done at the Globus Sound Stage on West 24th
Street.
FOX 5, WNET, and WPIX had no slow down
in production during the summer months. Members
employed at these facilities should have a profitable
upcoming season.
With regard to other venues, the summer also
brought a new employer to town. “The Tyra Banks
Show” moved from Los Angeles to New York. The
Telepictures produced show is being done under a
Local One house agreement at the All Mobile Video
Studios on 26th St.. “The Martha Stewart Show” has
also returned for her third Local One season at the
AMV 26th St. studios.
The summer season was strong for employment
in TV for Local One members with great prospects
for the fall and winter seasons. Most importantly, no
matter what the season and regardless of where you are
employed under a Local One agreement, the challenges
will always remain great for all Local One Brothers
and Sisters. Remain strong, remain united and we will
continue to remain successful. FALL 2007
SPOTLITE
PAGE 11
Special Section
The 50 Year Member Luncheon is a Local One tradition going on fifty two years
where all differences are put aside in recognizing those members who helped make this
Local strong. All honorees are part of the firm foundation that this union builds upon in
crafting a professional trade and a middle class life to be proud of. May their efforts along
with our current members resolve continually nurture this livelihood we choose so that
future members may grow and prosper too. Photos are by Scott Wynn.
SPOTLITE
Page 12
FALL 2007
Special Section
Rabbi Jill Hausman, President Claffey and Father
Richard Baker who provided the benedictions for our
past and present members
IA Special Assistant Debbie Ried, IA President Thomas
Short, IA Vice President Matthew Loeb, IA General
Secretary-Treasurer James B. Wood in attendance
Honoree Edward M. Bullard, Sr. and family
Honoree Thomas J. McKenna and his family
Honoree Jack Magnifico and family
Honoree Louis DePasquale with family and friends
SPOTLITE
FALL 2007
Page 13
Special Section
Honoree Irwin Wener with family and friends
Honoree William Strohmeyer with family and friends
Honoree Thomas J. Healy with brothers
Honoree Michael W. Proscia, Sr. and his family
Honoree Thomas Coughlin with family and friends
Honoree Mike Proscia addressing the crowd at
Tavern On The Green, Central Park, NYC
page 14
SPOTLITE
FALL 2007
fifty year local one members
2007
Sitting (Left to Right):Thomas J. Healy; Andrew Tracey; William Strohmeyer; Edward M.
Bullard, Sr.; Irwin Wener
Standing (Left to Right): John Trautwein; Martin R. Levine; Michael W. Proscia, Sr.; Tomas Coughlin; Thomas J. McKenna
Not Pictured: Alvin N. Chernoff; James J. Connolly; Louis DePasquale; William F. Edwards, Jr.; Herbert P. Hyman; Jack Magnifico; Edward E. Scheihing
FALL 2007
SPOTLITE
page 15
President’s Letter continued
To the issue at hand—Local One’s negotiating committee met with the Broadway Theatre Owners and
Producers and in our second meeting in September (fifth meeting overall) we were told by management that if
we did not have a new deal completed by September 30, Local One would receive a “last, best and final offer”
to be accepted or not. With six more meetings scheduled before September 30, the League suggested that we
schedule more meetings day and night to make a deal.
Needless to say, your Local One leadership and your proud committee ended that meeting immediately
with more than a few choice words and a declaration that this League’s intentional path to bully Local One was
not appreciated or tolerable and will prove to be unsuccessful. The theatre owners have since maintained their
so-called deadline while Local One has not responded or recognized this demand. The League proposals are too
damaging without appropriate exchange and we will not be forced into any pace but one of our own choosing.
I will be inviting all Broadway unions (Wardrobe, Hair and Makeup, Scenic Artists, Treasurers and
Ushers/Door Persons) principal officers are to meet with me on Monday, September 24, for a collective update.
Our September 26 meeting with all Broadway Heads and Shop Stewards to meet with the Local One
Picket committee and our legal counsel where I will be making final assignments.
With that said, there is a strong chance that the League will take action against us soon after September
30 and I am assuring our membership that we will be ready. Our preparations for a labor dispute are in place as
we have discussed now for almost a year.
It is of the utmost importance that as many of our members as possible attend the upcoming Sunday,
September 30 “Special Meeting.” In addition, I am deeming this meeting as mandatory attendance for all Heads
and Stewards throughout Local One’s jurisdiction. This meeting will provide our summary of negotiations
as well as all pertinent questions addressed by myself, the Business Managers, negotiating committee and
attorneys. Our entire Local’s way of life is in potential peril and its seriousness requires a knowledgeable and
well informed rank-and-file. At this meeting, all Heads of Department will again be briefed about the call of this
union to distribute employment opportunities to our brothers and sisters who will receive assistance in addition
to their Defense Fund allocation.
Finally, I would like to remind everyone that Local One’s main objective is to FIND a DEAL, and
we will make every effort to do so. A work stoppage is not beneficial to anyone in our industry but should
the leadership of the League proceed as irresponsibly as they have threatened, they will pay the price for
challenging a strong and unified Local One that will confirm at their expense our standing as the finest Local in
the land and the premier Stagecraft union in the world.
I remain at your service.
Respectfully and fraternally,
James J. Claffey, Jr.
President, Local One, I.A.T.S.E.
in the classic pose
L to R: Tim Bennett, LA Hernandez, Michael Bennett, John Diaz, Jr. at the 2007
NYC Stagehand NYS PAC Donald B. Klienschmidt Memorial Golf Outing
spotlite
THEATRICAL PROTECTIVE UnION LOCAL NO. ONE
320 wEST 46 sT.
nEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036-3845
Presorted standard mail
non-profit
organization
us postage
paid
New York, NY
permit No. 1117