somerville theater projectionists?

[rmd.livejournal.com]

What's the current situation between the Somerville Theater management and the projectionists? The latest Mass. AFL-CIO newsletter is from several weeks ago and describes the projectionists as "striking". This past Friday, I thought they were claiming to be locked out. I don't see anything about it in the somerville journal online, either.

Anyone know what the deal is?

Comments

[frederic.livejournal.com]

This is what I'm thinking. I've seen plenty of movies with 3 or 4 other people in the theater. And I'm not talking about matinees. Any higher in prices and either people will prefer to go to the megaplexes for first run movies or will buy the DVD that's already out by the time it hits second run (keep in mind that 2x$6 tickets is almost what a DVD costs new).

Also, these theaters just went through a large renovation (all new seats) which was rather costly I'm guessing and also pay a lot for rent as Davis Square realty prices are sky rocketing.

How much are the projectionists paid now? How much are union projectionists paid? How much are union dues and would all the projectionists be willing to shell out the $600 or $800 per year to join the union (they're not free ya know)?

[hyperliminal.livejournal.com]

The theater does NOT pay rent. The theater OWNS the building it is in, and RECEIVES rent from other businessess there, such as the Someday Cafe, and offices in the upper floors.

I do not have details on the union vs nonunion pay. I am just chiming in with what I know regarding the theater.

[hyperliminal.livejournal.com]

Also, most union dues are actually not that high. I again don't know any specifics or details, but several professional folks I know who are union members pay around $400/year. The one time I personally have been a union member, our dues were ten cents an hour, which, even if one is working at a full 40 hours per week, comes out to just over $200 a year.