479 NEWS
A Statement from President Brown Regarding Recent Events
Sisters and Brothers of Local 479,
After several conversations with members and a meeting yesterday with fellow Presidents of IATSE locals throughout the United States and Canada, I feel compelled now more than ever to communicate our position on the recent events in our city and throughout the country.
The video that surfaced recently showing the grotesque and senseless killing of Mr. George Floyd has ignited our country resulting in protests around the world. I, as your President, have participated along with members of my family, in peaceful protests in and around Atlanta. I walked side by side with people of all color from IATSE Local 479 and Atlanta Teamsters Local 728, out of respect for the families of George Floyd and all those before him, to protest the violence that took these individuals from us.
The idea that all people are created equal and deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and fairness is at the very core of the labor movement. It was, in fact, the labor movement that literally locked arms with Dr. King during the civil rights movement, because we stood for the exact same principles. Dr. King professed and said in his own words “The labor movement was the principle force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress.” So yes, when our Sisters and Brothers of color suffer, we all in the labor movement suffer. We are suffering now.
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President Brown: IATSE Local 479 Acts to Assist Members During COVID-19 Crisis
Sisters and Brothers of Local 479,
As I write you today it is clear that we have found ourselves in a sudden and unpredictable landscape. The uncertainty that surrounds the COVID-19 virus has impacted our industry unlike anything we have ever experienced. Yesterday Vice President Norris, Business Representative Akins and I participated in a conference call with International President Loeb, Vice President and Director of Motion Picture and Television Michael Miller, along with other officers of IATSE Locals across the US, Puerto Rico and Canada. Our conversations continued today with Assistant Department Director of Motion Picture and Television Dan Mahoney. This situation is evolving by the hour and we have more questions than answers right now. Despite the uncertainty our industry faces, we must move forward with efforts to ease the burden this will create for our members.
Last night I called an emergency meeting of the Local 479 Executive Board. Due to the unprecedented work stoppage and the uncertain amount of time the industry will be down, the following motions were presented, discussed, voted on and adopted:
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Toys for Tots 2016
Local 479 is pleased to announce that it will once again be working with the Toys for Tots charity for the holiday season. We are asking members to give as they can by bringing new unwrapped toys to the Local 479 offices. Donations will be accepted at the office during business hours, as well as any time on weekends that education classes are taking place. We will also be collecting items at the General Membership meeting on Sunday, December 11th.
The last day we can collect donations is Monday, December 19th.
If you are working on a show and would like for us to stop by your set to collect items we would be honored to do so. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Fraternally,
Ray Brown, President
IATSE Local 479
The Summer of 2016
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
The summer of 2016 proved to be very busy for us all at Local 479. We had an unprecedented number of shows in production and more members working than ever before. Our growth continues and we recognize the amazing efforts of our sisters and brothers. Somehow, after the long days on set, our members continue to find a way to give back. Events such as our YWC Kickball Tournament, Women’s Committee Health and Wellness Day and Entertainment Industry Benefit Motorcycle Ride were well attended and tremendously successful. Our members continue to show (more…)