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davis_square[from the Somerville progressive announce list]
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 2003 20:09:11 -0500
From: "JK"
Subject: Somerville Theatre Projectionists Win 2 year Contract
YOU ONLY GET WHAT YOU ARE ORGANIZED TO TAKE:
'Pissed Off Projectionists' Declare Victory Over Somerville Theatre
After having been locked-out for over ten weeks, projectionists at the Somerville Theatre have emerged victorious in their struggle for union recognition. The management has agreed to voluntarily recognize the union, sign a fair contract, and pay full back wages to all locked-out employees. Although this was a modest struggle in and of itself, we see it as a significant victory for young, exploited and pissed off workers everywhere.
PROJECTIONISTS WIN A LIVING WAGE!
At the time we struck for union recognition, projectionists were paid minimum wage ($6.75/hr), were not offered benefits, and worked in an unhealthy and undemocratic environment. Under the current two-year contract, the starting wage for projectionists is now in accordance with (and fixed to) the
Somerville Living Wage Ordinance (currently $9.55/hr), which is a 40% increase; all full-time employees will be offered health benefits and vacation; and most importantly, the Somerville Theatre is now a 'union shop' for projectionists, which allows for more control over the work environment by the workers themselves and preference for hiring new employees in the hands of the union.
Although this was a clear victory, it was a victory that came at a price. It became clear during the lock-out that the management of the Somerville Theatre did not want some of us to return to work specifically because of our political beliefs. Rather than further stall the contract negotiations, we agreed to voluntarily step aside and be replaced by other union projectionists in order to ensure a speedy resolution that would benefit all. In exchange we will have the opportunity to work in other Boston-area theaters where projectionists are organized through IATSE.
DIRECT ACTION GETS THE GOODS!
We hope that our struggle is an inspiration to other workers, particularly younger workers just beginning to understand their exploitation at the hands of their bosses. Our struggle was won primarily through direct action and community pressure. Although we did indeed file for an election with the National Labor Relations Board, from the beginning of our campaign we had no faith in State-mediation. We felt that the whole NLRB process played into the hands of the bosses and government bureaucrats, and effectively removed the class struggle from off the streets and out of the hands of the workers and confined it to the court rooms of the State.
In the end it was not through the NLRB that we gained union recognition, but through a sustained campaign of public pressure and direct action. We were successful in utilizing tactics and strategies such as economic strikes, informational pickets, and publicity campaigns while simultaneously relying on the pressure from the community (in the form of boycotts, rallies, and phone actions) to win this struggle. We think we were successful in proving that, as workers, our greatest strengths are in the refusal of our labor and our ability to organize effective resistance that goes beyond the workplace and into the community.
ANARCHISTS IN THE WORKPLACE?
Absolutely! Through out the dispute at the Somerville Theatre, there have been attempts by Mel?s lawyer to 'red bait' certain projectionists by publicizing the fact that some of us are anarchists. Well, as one trade unionist who walked our picket line a few times eloquently stated: "Every workplace could use a few anarchists to ensure the boss takes a good ass-kicking every now and then." We couldn't agree more. Politics aside, the fact of the matter was that we were being exploited by a wealthy boss, and no amount of 'red baiting' changed this fact in most people's eyes. As for the actual politics in question, those of us who do identify as anarchists have been up front about it and have no problem defending out beliefs. We would like to see a society in which the needs of people are valued over profits, and exploitative bosses are a thing of the past. However, we are not hopeless dreamers. We recognize we are a far way off from this sort of society, and in the meantime we need build power in our communities and workplaces and work towards class victories
that directly benefit people's lives.
THANKS TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS
One of the most inspiring aspects of this struggle has been the wide support we have received from trade unionists, activist groups and members of the surrounding community. Thanks to fellow unionists from SEIU, UE, CWA, IBEW, IWW, AFA, AFSCME, Teamsters, Greater Boston Central Labor Council, and our own union IATSE; also activist groups such as NEFAC, BAAM!, Jobs With Justice, Somerville Greens, and the Student Labor Action Project; and lastly, a very special thanks goes out to all the Somerville residents who supported us, everyone who made a phone call (or ten) on our behalf, and anyone else who may have helped our campaign that we forgot to mention.
THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES...
The struggle at the Somerville Theatre may have come to a close, but there are other labor disputes heating up around the city. At this moment, the union contracts covering thousands of Boston-area workers at Verizon are set to expire. Up to this point negotiations have been unsuccessful and the possibility for an East Coast strike is very likely. We hope that everyone who has supported us though out our struggle will also support this important strike if it does occur, and defend workers' right to job security and health benefits. Further information on the impending Verizon strike can be found at: www.massjwj.net.
Solidarity is our greatest weapon for a better future!
In Struggle, Pissed Off Projectionists
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 2003 20:09:11 -0500
From: "JK"
Subject: Somerville Theatre Projectionists Win 2 year Contract
YOU ONLY GET WHAT YOU ARE ORGANIZED TO TAKE:
'Pissed Off Projectionists' Declare Victory Over Somerville Theatre
After having been locked-out for over ten weeks, projectionists at the Somerville Theatre have emerged victorious in their struggle for union recognition. The management has agreed to voluntarily recognize the union, sign a fair contract, and pay full back wages to all locked-out employees. Although this was a modest struggle in and of itself, we see it as a significant victory for young, exploited and pissed off workers everywhere.
PROJECTIONISTS WIN A LIVING WAGE!
At the time we struck for union recognition, projectionists were paid minimum wage ($6.75/hr), were not offered benefits, and worked in an unhealthy and undemocratic environment. Under the current two-year contract, the starting wage for projectionists is now in accordance with (and fixed to) the
Somerville Living Wage Ordinance (currently $9.55/hr), which is a 40% increase; all full-time employees will be offered health benefits and vacation; and most importantly, the Somerville Theatre is now a 'union shop' for projectionists, which allows for more control over the work environment by the workers themselves and preference for hiring new employees in the hands of the union.
Although this was a clear victory, it was a victory that came at a price. It became clear during the lock-out that the management of the Somerville Theatre did not want some of us to return to work specifically because of our political beliefs. Rather than further stall the contract negotiations, we agreed to voluntarily step aside and be replaced by other union projectionists in order to ensure a speedy resolution that would benefit all. In exchange we will have the opportunity to work in other Boston-area theaters where projectionists are organized through IATSE.
DIRECT ACTION GETS THE GOODS!
We hope that our struggle is an inspiration to other workers, particularly younger workers just beginning to understand their exploitation at the hands of their bosses. Our struggle was won primarily through direct action and community pressure. Although we did indeed file for an election with the National Labor Relations Board, from the beginning of our campaign we had no faith in State-mediation. We felt that the whole NLRB process played into the hands of the bosses and government bureaucrats, and effectively removed the class struggle from off the streets and out of the hands of the workers and confined it to the court rooms of the State.
In the end it was not through the NLRB that we gained union recognition, but through a sustained campaign of public pressure and direct action. We were successful in utilizing tactics and strategies such as economic strikes, informational pickets, and publicity campaigns while simultaneously relying on the pressure from the community (in the form of boycotts, rallies, and phone actions) to win this struggle. We think we were successful in proving that, as workers, our greatest strengths are in the refusal of our labor and our ability to organize effective resistance that goes beyond the workplace and into the community.
ANARCHISTS IN THE WORKPLACE?
Absolutely! Through out the dispute at the Somerville Theatre, there have been attempts by Mel?s lawyer to 'red bait' certain projectionists by publicizing the fact that some of us are anarchists. Well, as one trade unionist who walked our picket line a few times eloquently stated: "Every workplace could use a few anarchists to ensure the boss takes a good ass-kicking every now and then." We couldn't agree more. Politics aside, the fact of the matter was that we were being exploited by a wealthy boss, and no amount of 'red baiting' changed this fact in most people's eyes. As for the actual politics in question, those of us who do identify as anarchists have been up front about it and have no problem defending out beliefs. We would like to see a society in which the needs of people are valued over profits, and exploitative bosses are a thing of the past. However, we are not hopeless dreamers. We recognize we are a far way off from this sort of society, and in the meantime we need build power in our communities and workplaces and work towards class victories
that directly benefit people's lives.
THANKS TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS
One of the most inspiring aspects of this struggle has been the wide support we have received from trade unionists, activist groups and members of the surrounding community. Thanks to fellow unionists from SEIU, UE, CWA, IBEW, IWW, AFA, AFSCME, Teamsters, Greater Boston Central Labor Council, and our own union IATSE; also activist groups such as NEFAC, BAAM!, Jobs With Justice, Somerville Greens, and the Student Labor Action Project; and lastly, a very special thanks goes out to all the Somerville residents who supported us, everyone who made a phone call (or ten) on our behalf, and anyone else who may have helped our campaign that we forgot to mention.
THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES...
The struggle at the Somerville Theatre may have come to a close, but there are other labor disputes heating up around the city. At this moment, the union contracts covering thousands of Boston-area workers at Verizon are set to expire. Up to this point negotiations have been unsuccessful and the possibility for an East Coast strike is very likely. We hope that everyone who has supported us though out our struggle will also support this important strike if it does occur, and defend workers' right to job security and health benefits. Further information on the impending Verizon strike can be found at: www.massjwj.net.
Solidarity is our greatest weapon for a better future!
In Struggle, Pissed Off Projectionists
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no subject
Date: 2003-07-29 08:49 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-07-29 09:13 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-07-29 09:15 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-07-29 09:52 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-07-30 05:30 am (UTC)I dunno, I can see unionizing and fighting for better wages at a Lowes Megaultraplex or some such thing, but independent discount theatres have it hard enough as it is...
Unless you have some evidence that somerville theatre is rolling in dough and can afford this no problem. I really have no idea -- I just know that this extra $2.80/projectionist/hour (PLUS benefits, PLUS vacation, PLUS whatever workspace improvements the union requires) has to come from *somewhere*.
Justice not size
Date: 2003-07-30 06:00 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-07-30 06:04 am (UTC)Will the strikers be passing the hat to raise money to pay for all the windows that were smashed?
Re: Justice not size
Date: 2003-07-30 06:58 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-07-30 07:00 am (UTC)Re: Justice not size
Date: 2003-07-30 07:11 am (UTC)Any statement that starts out that way is suspect.
they are now being forced to join a union they didn't ask for to keep their jobs?
And worse, they will be forced to accept an extra $2.80 an hour they didn't ask for! Damn unions, don't they understand the only way to be seen as just in this age is to be poor and unsuccessful!
Ad Hominem Tu Quoque
Date: 2003-07-30 07:15 am (UTC)The fact that a person makes inconsistent claims does not make any particular claim he makes false (although of any pair of inconsistent claims only one can be true - but both can be false). Also, the fact that a person's claims are not consistent with his actions might indicate that the person is a hypocrite but this does not prove his claims are false.
no subject
Date: 2003-07-30 07:16 am (UTC)Will the strikers and proud union members now go back and peel up all those "boycott the Somerville Theatre" stickers they've slapped around public property? Or use their new improved salaries to pay for the city workers who need to clean up after them? And while they're at it, will they reimburse the Somerville Theatre for the windows they smashed?
Grownups take responsibility for their actions. Prove to me that the "Pissed Off Projectionists" are grownups.
Re: Justice not size
Date: 2003-07-30 07:21 am (UTC)Re: Justice not size
Date: 2003-07-30 07:22 am (UTC)I offered the caveat because I'm genuinely curious and if someone has more information, I'd like to hear it. If you don't have more data, please do us all a favor and put the drum down for a minute.
And as for the quip at the end, you may note that I didn't suggest that poverty was just. Unionization places requirements on the workers as well, some of which are often not well balanced by the benefits they receive. Forgive me for asking for the greater picture rather than just assuming that any time someone shouts something to the effect of "Viva la revolution!" I should wipe a tear of joy from my eye.
Re: Justice not size
Date: 2003-07-30 07:23 am (UTC)Re: Justice not size
Date: 2003-07-30 07:25 am (UTC)The union and the management reached a mutual agreement. Time for for the rest of us to accept their decision.
Re: Justice not size
Date: 2003-07-30 07:28 am (UTC)-ia.
Re: Ad Hominem Tu Quoque
Date: 2003-07-30 07:28 am (UTC)Something is only a logical fallacy if it is made as a statement of fact. My statement is one of opinion (hence, "I have a hard time...") based on my dealings with them.
My story begins with an all volunteer event at which a number of Boston Teamsters appeared and threatened to picket unless they were paid off.
Relevant issues:
It wasn't a union shop.
No one was receiving pay for the work they did.
The event was run by a non-profit organization.
Am I a hypocrite for thinking that this was unjust? I suppose that depends on what your definition of justice is.
no subject
Date: 2003-07-30 07:33 am (UTC)Perhaps because it's cheaper to pay union wages than continue to replace broken windows every week?
no subject
Date: 2003-07-30 07:34 am (UTC)Re: Justice not size
Date: 2003-07-30 07:37 am (UTC)Dude, calm down and stop treating everyone who's questioning the doctrine that this unionization is 100% good and right like the enemy. I know I don't know, THAT'S WHY I WAS ASKING. I'm bringing up an issue, a concern, a thought.
The union and the management reached a mutual agreement
Well of course they can make any agreement they want and there's nothing I can do about it. But if the somerville theatre ends up raising its prices and/or goes out of business, I'm going to be quite disappointed, as are the employees of the theatre.
(And before you cry "post hoc" because I wouldn't be able to prove that the extra cost of supporting a union was what led to any of these potential outcomes -- all I'm saying is that unionizing the projectionists is a significant cost to the theatre and that *is* going to have to come from somewhere)
no subject
Date: 2003-07-30 07:37 am (UTC)Won't that be fun? :P
no subject
Date: 2003-07-30 07:41 am (UTC)oh sorry, got distracted for a second.
Brought to you by the Every Action Has a Consequence Committee
Date: 2003-07-30 07:52 am (UTC)Viva la revolution!
*wipes tear from his eye*
heehee
Date: 2003-07-30 07:56 am (UTC)