www.IA33.org

Local Stagecraft Union Seeks Support
in Wilshire Theatre Campaign
Temple Shalom for the Arts, New Theater Owner, Shuns Local 33

Veteran stagehands who have provided quality workmanship at the Wilshire Theater for the last 30 years have suddenly been shut out by the new owners, Temple Shalom for the Arts. Although the Temple boasts many members of the entertainment community – including members of SAG, DGA, IATSE and WGA – among its congregation, it has refused to renegotiate IATSE Local 33’s contract – without explanation.

Local 33 is asking the entertainment, labor and religious communities to fax appeals to the Temple to urge talks with the union. Support Local 33 members today!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: I urge you to meet with our union representatives

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As a member of IATSE Local 33, the stagecraft union that has proudly represented workers at the Wilshire Theatre for the past 30 years, I am deeply concerned about the anti-union stance taken by Temple Shalom for the Arts. I am writing to you, the officers and trustees of the congregation, to ask for your help to persuade the Temple to do the morally right thing, meet with IATSE Local 33 and continue the high-level of professionalism that has been the hallmark of the Wilshire for decades.

Local 33 members have been proud to work with Temple Shalom for your High Holy Days services for many years. Given that relationship, we were hopeful that we could reach an agreement with your organization when you purchased the Wilshire late last year.

Unfortunately, Temple Shalom's representatives have refused to even meet with us.

We are at a loss to understand this anti-union posture in light of the Temple's proud connection to the entertainment community and related labor organizations here in Los Angeles. In particular, prominent members of your congregation are or have been high-ranking members of other unions. Barry Gordon, co-cantor for your High Holy Day services, was a past president of SAG, as you proudly listed on your website. For the past several years, Temple Shalom has held its regular Shabbat services at the Writers Guild building. We know members of your congregation belong to numerous other unions, including DGA, SAG, AFTRA, WGA, and IATSE locals.

Local 33 is asking for an initial meeting in the hopes of establishing a relationship with Temple Shalom. I urge you to intercede in this matter. If not, we will continue to reach out to others of influence, including religious, entertainment and labor leaders, and to the congregation directly.

In solidarity,

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
March 14, 2006

Background Information

Representatives of Temple Shalom for the Arts - the new owners of the Wilshire Theatre - are refusing to meet with IATSE Local 33.

Our members have proudly worked on productions at the Wilshire for decades - including many productions by the Temple. The Temple speaks proudly of its ties to Hollywood unions and many of its members are also members of SAG, DGA, AFTRA, WGA, and IATSE. It has even held services at the Writers Guild.

Local 33 is asking for an initial meeting, in the hopes of establishing a working relationship with Temple Shalom. Their refusal to meet calls into question the Temple's commitment to the Los Angeles community as whole and for working men and women everywhere.