Guild and 4MC Agree to Settle! Local 700 executive director Ron Kutak has reached an agreement in principle with Four Media Company (4MC) management to settle the bitter labor dispute that has gained industry-wide attention in recent months. The agreement ends one of the longest, hardest fought battles in the history of the Guild. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, 4MC's Alameda Street facility will become a union signatory company, with all employees except vault personnel covered under IATSE contract. No other 4MC companies will be affected. The dispute originated in 1993 when Compact Video, then under IA contract, was purchased by 4MC. The new company refused to honor the bargaining agreement that was in place, so the IA took 4MC to court. Despite a number of courtroom victories for the IA and an order from the National Labor Relations Board to bargain, 4MC management continued its anti-union stance. In May 1998, the Editors Guild, under the direction of organizer Eric Chaudron and assistant organizer Andy Larson, launched a campaign of informational picketing and rallies against the company. These efforts were greatly enhanced through the participation of other Hollywood-area IA locals. "We are very pleased to finally have this battle behind us," said Ron. "It's been a long haul, and has cost us an extraordinary amount of time and energy. But it was worth that investment to guarantee that our contracts are honored and 4MC's employees are treated fairly. Ultimately, that's what this was all about."   Reprinted from The Motion Picture Editors Guild Newsletter Vol. 20, No. 3 - May/June1999   Guild Home | Newsletter Home | Top of Page   Copyright © 1999, All Rights Reserved by The Motion Picture Editors Guild, IATSE Local 700