Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: I.A.T.S.E.?

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Topic: I.A.T.S.E.?

Heyward Garner
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 101
From: Winston-Salem, NC, USA
Registered: Jan 2001

posted 02-27-2001 01:49 AM

Could someone please explain this to me. I have been working as a projectionist for near three years now... I was aware that there was a Union for projectionists, but never heard too much more about it. What's the purpose? (Besides that all of you get paid more than I do... =) ) What's this talk about having to be licenced to run a projector in NYC? Why? I am down south in North Carolina, and until now I have never really put much thought into any of this. I work for the pay that I do, because I love what I do. But I am still interested in learning more... =) Thanks in advance for your help and comments, in case I am not back on here in a day or two... =)

Tom Sauter
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 163
From: Buffalo, NY, USA
Registered: Sep 2000

posted 02-27-2001 02:21 PM

Unions can provide for collective bargaining, training, grievance processes, benefits. Its a way for employees to strengthen their voices in the companies that they work for. Union projectionists can enjoy an open dialogue with their theatre to improve working conditions, rate of pay, seniority, parking facilities, benefits, retirement, etc. The company enjoys happy workers, quality work, and skilled employees. It depends on who you work for... if its a great company you may not feel the need to unionize. My personal experiences as a union employee (under both IATSE and other contracts) have been very positive. For more info check out these websites: http://www.iatse.lm.com http://www.aflcio.org/front/joinunions.htm

As for licensed projectionists in NYC, it could be a holdover from the days of nitrate and carbon-arc lamphouses, when public safety and operator safety were of major concern. Then again, they'll license anything in New York!

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