We've Become a National Guild Results from the merger ballot were: Local 776 -- for: 1599, against: 218 Local 771 -- for: 236, against: 82 Thus the merger of the two locals has been approved by the membership. At the L.A. membership meeting on September 8th, questions and answers, rumors and facts, about the proposed merger of all IATSE editorial workers in the U.S. into one local were discussed. Guild President Donn Cambern described the history of the merger, an idea that began in the late 80's when Carol Littleton was president. Executive Director Ron Kutak outlined plans for Editors Local 700, with a membership of 5,400 and jurisdiction over the entire country. Some members present expressed concerns, citing the problems the new national camera local has had, including a dramatic increase in dues for some members. Unlike camera, Ron explained, we are voluntarily merging and are more in control of our own destiny. He also assured members there would be no dues increase because both locals have healthy treasuries. Donn announced that he had formed a committee of members to discuss technological changes and ideas for a future national post-production contract. This group will advise the Board of Directors. The members are: Bunny Andrews, Janet Ashikaga, John Axelrad, Andrea Bottigliero, Dan Carlin Jr., Steve Cohen, Bob Deschaine, John Finklea, Bruce Fortune, Bruce Green, Patrick Gregston, Paul Hirsch, Tina Hirsch, Scott Hecker, Paul Huntsman, Ken Karman, Jack Keller, John Koslowsky, Carol Littleton, Gary Ritchie, Greg Rudloff, Ben Stokes, John Trask, Michael Tronic, Elliot Tyson, John Venzon, Tom Villano and Scott Young. Near the end of the meeting editor Steve Cohen, who has dual membership with New York Editor's Local 771, said he was glad this merger was happening and thanked Ron for all his hard work. There was loud applause, and more applause when Carol Littleton arrived belatedly from her editing room.   Reprinted from The Motion Picture Editors Guild Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 5 - September/October 1998   Guild Home | Newsletter Home | Top of Page   Copyright © 1998, All Rights Reserved by The Motion Picture Editors Guild, IATSE Local 776