New NEB Takes Office, Pledges New Direction for Local 600
Local 600’s Newly Elected National Officers pledged at the NEB meeting in Los Angeles on June 9-10 to lead the union in a new direction as members face unprecedented changes in the industry. They committed to fight for more jobs, including the training needed to stay ahead of the curve with new and hybrid technology, to rebuild Local 600’s respect in the industry, and to strengthen ties with the International and the other IA locals that Local 600 members bargain alongside. “We have to fight for our members, defend the operator position, organize camera crews and publicists and protect the DITs and all digital classes,” said newly elected President Steven Poster. “Accomplishing those priorities requires unity and a strategic vision. We need to work together. ” Poster promised to reach out to members by visiting sets, making phone calls, to address their concerns and help build a more active membership. National officers elected in May election are Steven Poster, National President, ASC; Barry Wetcher, National Vice-President; incumbent Rusty Burrell re-elected First National Vice-President; John Toll, ASC, Second National Vice-President; Alan M. Gitlin, National Secretary-Treasurer; Bruce MacCallum, National Assistant Secretary-Treasurer, and Michael St. Hilaire, national Sergeant-at-Arms. They were sworn in by Mike Miller, IATSE International Tenth Vice President. “I’m happy that so many working members ran this time and that so many members voted,” said National Vice-President Barry Wetcher. The election drew the highest number of votes in the union’s history. Rusty Burrell, who was re-elected to his fourth term as First National Vice President, said he knew how much commitment it takes to help lead the union. “It’s worth it because we care about the membership. I’m anxious to get to work.” John Toll, Second National Vice-President, called the election “a great opportunity for all of us to make progress. We have many new members and new energy.” “I’m honored to serve with this new board,” said Alan Gitlin, National Secretary-Treasurer. “I think we can do some great things, maintaining what we have and making great strides forward for the safety of our members and in our next contract.” National Sergeant-at-Arms Michael St. Hilaire said he hoped the positive feelings at the meeting would continue. “Don’t be disruptive or I’ll be there,” he chided. Members of the executive board and delegates to the IATSE International Convention were sworn in following an emotionally charged and hotly contested election that drew the largest turnout in the union’s history. Based on the official results released by Local 600's Election Committee, more than 2,400 ballots were cast in the May 11 election, representing about 42% of the eligible membership. That number represents the highest member participation in the history of Local 600. Due to the huge turnout, the ballot count, which began Friday morning, continued well into the morning hours Saturday at IATSE Local 80 in Burbank. The new board representing the Central, Eastern and Western regions of the United States, will comprise 67 members, including the seven national officers. The classifications of Directors of Photography and Visual Effects Supervisors, Camera Operators, and Camera Assistants represent 30 percent each of the membership on the camera side of the Local; Still Photographers, Digital Imaging and Associated Crafts represent 10 percent. Publicists, who previously belonged to Local 818, merged with Local 600 in 2002, and have four seats on the NEB. |
