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"...And as we go from Winter into Spring, the flowers are starting to bloom. Another thing that seems to be blooming is frustration with union negotiations. Here we have Jack Martingale, a representative for the IATSE and how they're working to renew their contract with the Philadelphia Theater Company." A white, dyed-blonde woman with perfect hair smiles at Jack in a professional fashion. Her name is Betsy Lewis, and she's one of the more seasoned anchors on Channel 6. It's the morning show, so it's not the highest profile slot, but it's still screen time. "Why did you bring us this, Jack? Why not keep this between yourselves and your contract negotiators?"
Jack's spent the few minutes of wait time shifting uncomfortably in his chair - it's not that the chair's uncomfortable by any means, but fuck, he's gonna be on television. He's got on sharp black jeans and dress shoes, and a black polo with the bright yellow IATSE union bug embroidered over the pocket. Just the right amount of casual, but not sloppy. He hopes.
He smiles back at Ms. Lewis, a quick and fleeting thing, and takes a breath. "We'd hoped to keep it between us. We really did. But it's becoming increasingly clear that...that PTC - Philadelphia Theater Company, that is - they're trying their hardest to strip this contract bare. We've fought hard in the past for what we deserve, and we're doing it again, but...Philly deserves to know, you know? What goes on behind the scenes -" He stops there, acknowledging his accidental pun with a huff of amusement, "of making PCT, and all the other places we work, what they are."
Betsy smiles again at the pun. She's a solid, confident presence, but she's also motherly. Comforting to many. Maybe not to Jack.
"I see. Well, why don't you tell me a little about the history of the IATSE? What does it do for the people in the union, and why is it so important for people outside of the union, as well?"
Jack nods, and glances down at the notebook paper in his lap before starting a short history of IATSE's creation nationally, and how the local branch here came to be formed. There's a few more glances down to make sure he gets the dates and orders of things right, but for the most part he speaks to her. He explains how the union helps its members have more negotiation power with their employers to make sure they're paid fairly for their work, and have recourse and legal help if they need it. Union members have the benefits of safer working environments and fair wages, and in doing so raise the standards for nonunion employers, as well.
He seems to have gotten over his nerves, as he continues talking. It's just like he's having a conversation with her, right?
Betsy seems attentive. She smiles at him even when the camera isn't on her, reassuring, kind. "Thanks for that. Now, what do you personally hope to get out of these negotiations? And what do you want for the future of IATSE?"
"Personally?" He takes a moment to think. "Well...an equitable contract, for one," he huffs out another laugh. "The satisfaction of knowing that our local isn't gonna fold under pressure of management. I'm not even full time there, but we all deserve to be valued fairly for the work we do. And I'm not just talking about IATSE, all of us workers do. As for the future of the union..." another few seconds of thought. "Locally, I'd like to expand our reach. Help unionize some of the smaller places, and some of the ones more susceptible to management abuse. And I'd like to continue to show people that the numerous anti-union campaigns that are always floating around don't show nearly the full story. Organizing the working force empowers us all to fight for better lives for everyone."
Betsy smiles again. "Would you like to say anything else?" They've got about 30 seconds left in the interview, if the voice earwig he's wearing is correct.
"Just..." He nods. "We're not gonna stop fighting. We're not afraid to strike, we're not afraid to show PTC that we won't back down. I'm proud to be a union member, and I'm proud to be here today to tell you that we are all stronger together."
Betsy's smile flashes at Jack once more. "Thank you, Jack Martingale of IATSE Local 8. This is Channel Six." And the music going to commercial plays.
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