Support IA 33 Stagehands!

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: In solidarity with IATSE Local 33

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As a proud union member and Los Angeles area resident, 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 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 30 years.

For decades, Local 33 members proudly worked productions -- including the Temple's -- at the Wilshire Theatre. Yet, Temple Shalom's representatives have refused to even meet with the union.

This blatant anti-union posture flies in the face of the Temple's connection to the entertainment community and related labor organizations. Prominent members of your congregation belong to numerous other unions, including DGA, SAG, AFTRA, WGA, and IATSE locals. For many years, you've held regular Shabbat services at the Writers Guild. Temple Shalom proudly boasted Barry Gordon's past presidency of SAG on its website when Mr. Gordon served as co-cantor.

Unfortunately, the refusal to meet with Local 33 casts a long shadow on the Temple's commitment to the larger Los Angeles community as a whole and to working men and women in particular.

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, the union and supporters like me will continue to reach out to others of influence, including religious, entertainment and labor leaders, and to your congregation directly.

In solidarity,

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
March 21, 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 Witers Guild.

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