Last week I happened upon local artist Bill Yund’s fascinating tale of Pennsylvania’s labor called Cooper’s Walk. In comic book illustrated style but with gripping drama, Yund sweeps through a turbulent century of toil and struggle as seen by an Alsatian immigrant to America circa 1840. The protagonist is a cooper—a barrel-maker—a skilled laborer. Like others struggling to build a good life and family, our cooper learns that his product and labor can only bring a decent return if he is not undersold by competing craftsmen. First in Philadelphia, then across the Alleghenies to the nascent iron and oil industries, the tradition of the Guild--workers banding together to advance the trade and support each other—is invoked from its European origins. Skilled workers did win a measure of respect and fair treatment from those who hired them. If terms and conditions were unsatisfactory, the guilds provided the means to withhold the product or labor.

Of course, the industrial revolution eventually overwhelmed a craft-based economy. And both skilled and unskilled workers often found themselves toiling on a labor gang for longer days and shorter pay. New methods of industrial-based unionism had to be tested before labor could alter the balance of power. Such is the history of our wondrous and terrible economy.

Fast forward with me now to a Cleveland workshop last month where AFTRA leaders and staff are focused on strategizing how we can act together to help more freelance performers earn a decent living in our trade. This goal essentially means persuading more non-union (or, as we say, “pre-union”) performers to join with us as we seek to convince employers to sign AFTRA contracts.

It’s not an easy task. The obstacles are daunting. It’s no secret that in the last decade, overall freelance earnings—union and non-union—have plummeted, particularly for non-broadcast educational and industrial work. Much of this can be attributed to the disappearance of our manufacturing industries and the flight of major corporate headquarters to the coasts. Another factor: new digital technologies now make producing and transmitting high-quality imaging and voice work possible from almost anywhere in the world.

Still, there is local work out there: new medical, educational, and financial-based industries are prospering. They need talent for their promotional, training, and sales programs. And, there are people out there –pre-union talent—doing that work. We need to reach out and organize those folks to support our common interest. If we don’t, the competition from non-union productions will continue to drag down union wage standards and threaten signatory employers.

Organizing those who do the work: is it pie in the sky? Well, yes, you do have to be a dreamer to make anything happen. But actually, good organizing is very practical. You have to start by researching where the work is and who’s doing it. You have to have realistic and plausible reasons to convince non-union workers to join. Then you have to engage the employer.

Really, it comes down to the lesson our immigrant cooper learned: if those who have the skill band together, they have a real voice in the value of their work. Why? Because the work will not get done unless the worker agrees to do it. It’s always good to remember this. (To order “Cooper’s Walk”, contact the author at yund@mac.com)

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By a decisive vote of 12 “YES” to 1 “NO”, on-air and producer staff who work for Metro Networks in the Pittsburgh market ratified AFTRA as their bargaining representative in an NLRB election October 5. Metro Networks provides outsourced traffic, news, and sports reporting to local radio and TV stations. Metro is a subsidiary of Westwood One which is itself a related entity to CBS Broadcasting. AFTRA now represents Metro employees in 15 US markets.

Motivating the organizing drive were basic economic issues. The Company has no policy or practice for providing annual wage increases. Often, additional duties are added with no additional compensation. Split shifts and long work days are common.

Several of the metro staff who participated in organizing were already AFTRA members from previous radio work. One had been in an AFTRA organizing drive and first contract at Metro in another market. The employees showed their determination to improve their work life in September by delivering a petition for AFTRA representation to management signed by 13 of 15 unit eligible staff.

Now the hard work of bargaining a first contract begins. Metro staff are gathering their contract proposals and will select their bargaining committee soon. Special kudos are due to union election observers Fred Brucker and Bonnie Hall. Also due recognition are other organizing committee members Scott Stiller, Aimee O’Connor, and John Pfab.

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Talks on tap at WDVE, WWSW, and WBGG

The first chill is in the air, the trees are in full color and the theater season is upon us. That can only mean one thing: November dues are due to AFTRA. (Well, that’s better than saying “Christmas is around the corner.” Isn’t it?)

I’m amazed that some members think that AFTRA is only about better wages than non-union work and making sure their checks arrive on time. What about marketing tools, networking & workshops? What about organizing, lobbying and advocacy? Yep, these AFTRA perks can really add value to your career. However, these things don’t happen in a vacuum. Your input is needed.

A couple of years ago, a member asked me, “What does the union do for me?” I responded, “What do you want it to do?”

It seems to me there’s a big disconnect between the Local and the membership (you). It’s the realization that this collective of artists actually can address nearly anything members want to deal with. All it takes is collective action-- your and others volunteer efforts with staff support. Do you want to have a headshot day? Done. We’ll (the Conservatory Committee) talk to local photographers & get a volume discount that knocks the price of a headshot down from $250 to $150. We did it last year. We can do it again. Do you want the best people in the biz proctoring workshops on everything from radio commercials to teleprompters to how to set-up your home computer to record auditions, etc. from home? Done. Last year’s ‘Hot Pizza & Cold Readings’ were a smash! Also last year, national v/o talent Steve Stone & broadcast producer Mark Roberts scratched the surface of technology. For those of you who want tools for self-marketing, your freelance organizing group, (the FLOG) developed a ‘Producers List’ that has all the possible employers in the area. After three years it needs updating; but, all the hard work is done. It would take a committee of ten members only about three hours each per month for three months to get this valuable employment resource current.

So, your membership can be a great value to you. But like my agent taught me a long time ago: “You don’t get anything you don’t ask for.” The Conservatory Committee will soon set the agenda for the coming year. We’re fortunate to have Melanie Dreyer as Chairperson. For those of you who don’t know Melanie, she’s the head of the theater masters program at Pitt. She’ll be calling a meeting to accept input as soon as she comes up for air after directing a bi-continental documentary of the play “Outside Inn”, which she also directed. The FLOG will be starting up as well. We have some really good input and promises of resources from National thanks to a group of national board members that includes our own Mark Roberts. If you want to add your thoughts (or get some new ones) about getting more work, check in to the kick-off. The Chairperson of the FLOG is Local board VP David Early. (Has anyone in this Local worked more than David?)

Shoot me an email or give me a call here at the office to participate. That is unless you know everything and have no use for any kind of training. Then give me a call to proctor an event.

Experiment with your craft under contract...

Pittsburgh media was in the national spotlight July 20 at the AFTRA national convention in Philadelphia when WPXI-TV was awarded AFTRA’s “American Scene Award” for its documentary, “Biking Through Black History.” Producer Jonas Chaney, Public Affairs Director and proud AFTRA member, accepted the award for the station.

The half-hour documentary examines how viewers can get in shape, stay fit, and learn about the history of the Underground Railroad by actually riding the route. WPXI and Adventure Cycling Association formed a unique partnership with the Center for minority health, at the University of Pittsburgh, to get more minorities involved in cycling, while providing information on the most fabled pathway to freedom in American history.

AFTRA American Scene Awards recognize and honor productions that most intelligently and progressively employ the talents of performers of color, people with disabilities, women, seniors, and other misrepresented or under-represented groups, and which present a positive, balanced, and realistic portrayal of the American Scene. WPXI has been honored with this award from AFTRA three times.

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Q: Why is this form for Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Tri-State?
A: The easy answer is that it is part of our ongoing effort to economize. It’s just less expensive when you order for three Locals instead of one. But there’s more to it… As ad agencies, talent agents & production companies have expanded on a regional basis, so have your Locals. We not only share information, but we are also always looking for ways to streamline administration. Having the same member report for work done within the entire region also makes it easier for you.

Q: Why should it be sent to Cleveland?
A: Here is another example of taking the resources we have and forging an economy of scale. Not just in a strict financial sense. Much thought has been put in to devoting the limited time capitol of your staffers to duties that best fit their expertise.

Q: Won’t my check be delayed?
A: No. The time it takes to mail a check to Cleveland from the paymasters in Ohio is the same or less than the time it takes to mail it to Pittsburgh. How do we know? Well, we could have commissioned a study, but all of the best consulting firms were busy with government contracts. So, four times over the past year letters were mailed to downtown Pittsburgh and the Laurel Highlands from Cleveland. Much credit to the USPS: 7 out of 8 letters arrived within 48 hours. 5 arrived the next day.

Q: How do I get copies of this form?
A: You can pick-up copies at your AFTRA office. Or if you’re caught short, Mark Roberts has put the member report on the website under ‘Member Forms’. Just print off four copies. Website??? That’s www.aftrapgh.com. Click on Member Forms.

Q: Can this form be used for material for Internet or New Media, i.e. ipods, phones, etc.?
A: Yes. Just check the appropriate boxes and fill in the proper fees and H&R rate. Call the office if you need clarification on these or any “Category” issues.

Q: Sometimes they don’t know where a commercial will run. What do we write on the form?
A: “Producer will provide to AFTRA prior to media buy.”

Q: What if nobody will sign for the Employer on the bottom?
A: Call the office & ask for Chris. If he’s not at his desk, explain the situation and you will be directed to another staff member (John Haer, Cathy Nowlin, Kim Davis) that can help you to deal with the problem. (Excuse yourself to go to the bathroom if you don’t want them to know you’re calling.) When a staffer from your union calls the producer you will get results!

Q: How do I know what the rates are or how much the H&R is?
A: Here are two ways. 1) You could find out before the shoot how much you’re being paid for your work. 2) You can call the office.

Q: Can more than one performer be on the same form?
A: Yes, if more than one person is engaged for the exact same category for a job. i.e.: Two principal performer may share a member report if their call times and wrap times are the same. Or two extras can do the same. Or two v/o in a studio. Again, your job, category and work times must be the same to share a member report.

Q: Can my agent fill this out for me?
A: Yes. Chris Lacey’s agent always did unless it was a last minute booking.

Q: How can I get more union work?
A: These questions were supposed to be about Member Reports. That’s the kind of Q&A freelancers can talk to Chris about.

Schedule some ‘one on one’ time with Chris after you read the back issues of “Freelance Matters” on the website. Again, That’s aftrapgh.com.

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