Brothers, Sisters, Allies, and Kin, 

Welcome to the first edition of the 417 political newsletter. We will attempt in these quarterly updates to share important political news that impacts our membership, opportunities for participation, and other items of note. 

What the Heck is a “political coordinator?”

President Loeb has made it a priority for all locals in the IA to have political teams on the ground, and to date over 90% of IA locals have a political coordinator. Per his guidance:

“Political Coordinators are expected to:

• Communicate political/legislative updates from the International to the local membership & vice versa
• Develop and maintain the local’s political/legislative program
• Coordinate the local’s political/legislative initiatives with the IATSE Political/Legislative Department, District Secretaries, and/or local labor bodies
• Monitor state and local legislative issues that may impact the local and its members
• Engage the local membership in political elections; and
• Encourage IATSE PAC support”

All of these efforts directly impact the health and vitality of both our local and the labor movement as a whole. 

Sounds interesting, can I help? 

I’m so glad you asked. If you’re interested in assisting in the political work of 417, or if you’re interested in doing anything to support the growth and renewal of our local, please email me at politicalcoordinator@iatse417.org 

Items of Note

• Medicaid expansion is coming to North Carolina! After years of infighting and stalling, the NC general assembly has passed HB 76, “Access to Health Care Options” and have sent along to Gov. Cooper who is expected to sign the legislation.  Once enacted, which will require passage of this year’s state budget, adults who earn up to 138% of the Federal poverty level will be eligible for Medicaid coverage. It is estimated this will expand health care benefits to more than 600,000 uninsured North Carolinians, including some of our members and other industry colleagues, some of whom no doubt are 417 members and other allied entertainment professionals. Currently it appears that expansion will happen sometime in late spring/early summer whenever a budget bill is passed by the NC Assembly. I am continuing to monitor this situation and will report back to membership any important updates. 
• Check out IATSE’s federal legislative agenda here. I personally received assurances from Representatives Manning, Nickel, and Ross that they will support most, if not all, of the items on our agenda.
• Check out the 2022 report from NC AFLCIO here.

Call Steward

417 has transitioned to using Call Steward for booking all calls. If you have not yet filled out the onboarding form, please do so here. There is an excellent instruction guide created by local 26 that will answer many of your questions. Please note text notifications from CS will come from 833 334 4070, and it may be helpful to make that a contact in your phone so that you don’t miss notifications to login and confirm calls in the CS. 

COME HANG WITH US!

The 417 Young Workers Committee is hosting a mixer on April 17th (4/17 – get it?!) at Catalan Tapas Bar in Cary, NC from 3p-9p. Any and all stagehands are welcome! There will be snacks provided, and the restaurant will have the kitchen open and the full bar available if you want to sample their full menu at your own cost. This is a casual event aimed at building relationships among all workers in the area and allowing everyone to get to know each other outside of a call. Union members are encouraged to wear their 417 gear as we will be directing any non-union hands curious about organizing to seek out someone with a bug. You are not required to, but if you intend on being one of these activists, please try and educate yourself as much as possible about union benefits and standards before the event so we can spread positivity and facts. For any pointers or further information reach out to a YWC member! 

DYK’s

• Did you know that a recent study suggests belonging to a union can mean over $1 million more earned over a lifetime?
• Local 322 member Braxton Winston is Mayor Pro Tem of Charlotte?
• DYK that labor is on the rise in the US? At the present moment surveys suggest that more people (70% of Gen Z and more than half of all adults under 65 years of age) support labor rights and unions than at any time since 1965? 
• Have you worked for other employers doing live entertainment work in 417’s jurisdiction? Remember you are required as a 417 member to pay 5% assessment of those earnings to the local. Contact Secretary Treasurer Bill Hanner at secretarytreasurer@iatse417.org in order to make payment.
• Do you know of work coming up that is not through 417? Please inform BA Jim Davis at businessagent@iaste417.org so that we can make an effort to get a union contract in place to ensure that everyone working has protections and benefits of a union agreement with the employer.  
• Please remember payments for 2nd quarter stamps are due April 1. Contact Secretary Treasurer Bill Hanner at secretarytreasurer@iatse417.org in order to make payment and stay current on your dues.

Please check your voter registration status and ensure you are registered correctly and able to vote in North Carolina and Federal elections.