#10 in a Series The Eastern Breeze Campaign Continues to Support Members in the Workplace by Martin Levenstein , Guild 2nd Vice President Caucus On Contract Enforcement The Eastern Region Directors hosted an open caucus on November 15th, to encourage members to share their concerns about changing work environments and the perception that producers are applying unreasonable pressure on editorial staff to do more work in less time for less money. This includes the unspoken assumption that members will work unpaid overtime, if necessary, in order to complete work on time. We had an excellent turnout of more than 40 people, mostly sound editors and sound assistants, although picture people were there as well. Many members told of experiences working on unreasonable and unrealistic schedules, and after being advised that no overtime was authorized, felt that they had to work on their own time to meet deadlines. If this was not done, these members felt that their producers would not hire them again. Many members also felt that the quality of their work and craft suffered when they had insufficient time to do their work properly. To solve these problems, and to help the Guild enforce the protections members enjoy under our contracts, it is important that communication and trust develop between members and Guild representatives. Every cutting room should have a copy of the contract they are employed under, and everyone should understand its provisions. If contract violations are persistently occurring where you work, you should immediately call the Guild office, talk to a representative, discuss the problem and go over possible courses of corrective action. Each situation is different. The Guild will do everything possible to protect you and will intercede on your behalf as needed, either with a site visit, a call to your employer, or additional consultations with other Guild members at your workplace. Whenever possible, members should consult with each other and endeavor to stand together. Call our New York office at (212) 302-0700 or call the Guild violation hotline at (800) 432-EDIT. This is a critical time. It is important that we work together to stop the further deterioration of our working conditions. The Guild can only support you if you call us and discuss workplace problems. Remaining silent encourages further abuses. Lorraine Seidel Accepts Position With the New York State Nurses Association Lorraine Seidel, Assistant Executive Director, Eastern Region, has accepted a position as director of the New York State Nurses Association. According to Lorraine, it is the largest nurses’ union in the country, and has led the way in shaping and defining the profession over the past hundred years. She will be responsible for administration of every aspect of the union, and will direct a staff of 75 from her home base in Albany, NY. Lorraine is a Registered Nurse who, before working in the entertainment industry, was very active organizing nurses in hospitals. In a note to me, she wrote, "My leaving the Guild is bittersweet, since I truly enjoyed working in the entertainment industry over the past 12 years and have learned much and have established many deep and wonderful friendships. I am also excited about the opportunity to return to a place of representing nurses, particularly at a time in the health care industry that is critical to the well being of consumers and providers alike. This is an unprecedented opportunity to make a difference." We wish Lorraine well in her new job. As of this writing, The Guild’s New York office is being staffed by Business Representative Norman Gay and Office Manager Sandy Fong-Ging. Executive Director Ron Kutak is actively searching for an additional employee experienced in labor matters. New Eastern Region Director and Convention Delegates In the November Guild election, the contested Eastern Region Board seat was won by editor Marc Laub. The seat, which was previously held by Ted Troll, is for a three-year term. This is Marc’s first term on the Board. Damian Begley, whose term as Alternate Director was to have expired this year, placed second to Marc in the vote tally and thus retains his Alternate Director position for another three-year term. Members residing in the Eastern Region were also nominated as delegates to the national IATSE convention to be held in Chicago in July. Selection is determined by total votes nationwide, with the person receiving the greatest number of votes being in the first position to attend. A pool of 20 people has been selected for 12 delegate seats. Those in the pool from the Eastern Region are Business Representative Norman Gay, myself, Alternate Director A. Maddy Shirazi and Directors Laura H. Congleton and Louis Bertini. Ted Troll Celebrates 30 Plus Years of Union Service Eastern Region member Ted Troll, who stepped down as a Guild Director, is ending a career of more than 30 years of volunteer service to the Guild and Local 771. Ted became a member of 771 in 1950, while working as an Assistant Librarian for Hearst Metrotone News. He was elected to the By-Laws Committee in the mid-60’s and later served as its chairman. Ted later served on the Executive Board as Pension & Welfare Trustee, then as Treasurer and finally was elected President in 1978. He held that post for 21 years until 771 merged with 776. The membership then elected him as the Guild’s original Eastern Region 2nd Vice-President. Ted then served as a member of the Board of Directors to this day. He has been a delegate to all IATSE conventions since 1972. Ted will be a tough act to follow. With his honesty, integrity, concern and dedication to the membership, he has always led the way. Thank you, Ted.   Marty Levenstein is a picture editor and the Guild 2nd Vice President, representing the Eastern Region. He can be reached via email   Reprinted from The Motion Picture Editors Guild Magazine Vol. 22, No. 1 - March/April 2001   Guild Home | Magazine Home | Top of Page   Copyright © 2001, All Rights Reserved by The Motion Picture Editors Guild, IATSE Local 700