News

Home • About • Resources • Services • News • Links • Members Only

ATPAM: News: HL0800C

NEWS

ATPAM Steps Up Efforts On West Coast

Demonstrating ATPAM’s renewed commitment to organize new venues and create opportunities for the Membership on the West Coast, the Union recently sent representatives to two important conferences that will help build the relationships necessary for a successful program.

For the first time ever, ATPAM has affiliated with District 2 of the IATSE, which encompasses California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii. Previously ATPAM had only maintained membership in District 10 (New York and New Jersey). As a result ATPAM was entitled to 2 delegates at the annual District 2 convention, held this year in Phoenix, AZ in May. Attending for ATPAM were Secretary-Treasurer Gordon Forbes and Southern California Steward, Kevin O’Connor. ATPAM was warmly welcomed by the keynote speaker, IATSE President Tom Short, who asked Forbes to stand and introduced him to the convention delegates. There were many opportunities to network and lay the groundwork for future organizing activities during the course of the two-day convention.

During the second week in July ATPAM attended the biennial convention of the California State Theatrical Federation in Anaheim, CA. Again repping the Union were Forbes and O’Connor. This influential Federation drew representatives of all the major entertainment industry unions who have joined together to advance issues of mutual concern. One of the driving forces behind this progressive organization is IATSE Vice President Eddie Powell from San Francisco, a longtime friend of ATPAM. A highlight of the convention was the opportunity for ATPAM’s delegates to sit with Art Pulaski, the Secretary-Treasurer of the California AFL-CIO, and Brother Powell. Pulaski is quite knowledgeable about the entertainment industry and was very interested in ATPAM. The fact that he personally attended this gathering is indicative of the power and influence of the entertainment industry unions in California. To launch a successful organizing drive, ATPAM will need to tap into that resource. Hopefully, we are on our way.