Secretary’s Page

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

 

             First, as the Holidays approach, I want to wish everyone a healthy and happy holiday season. In these difficult economic times, everyone needs to be conscious of how and where they spend their hard-earned money.  On that note, I would like to share with you a few money-saving items, available only to union members.

             Today, virtually everyone has a cell phone, and it seems that the cost of equipment and service gets more expensive each day.  However, AT&T, the nation’s only unionized wireless company, offers discounts to union members.  Besides the “rollover minutes they offer everyone, union members receive 10% off the regular wireless service costs, including phone and data plans, and additional savings on phone equipment.  To find out more call 1-800-897-7046, or visit them on the web at www.unionplus.org/cell-phone-wireless/att-wireless.

             Other costly items used by people are credit cards.  If you use a credit card, you know that interest rates and fees are rising, and the cards have few consumer protections.  UnionPlus offers credit cards only to union members, with competitive rates, and several consumer protections.

             UnionPlus credit card holders in good standing are eligible for some financial relief if they should lose income due to job loss, illness, a strike, etc.  They offer this relief  in the form of  “Skipped Payments”, income grants, debt counseling, and more.  For further information, or to apply, call 1-800-522-4000, or visit them on the web at www.unionplus.org.

             In closing, it is important if you move, change phone numbers, email, etc., that you notify me of changes.  This will ensure that the IATSE, and the benefit funds, have correct information for you on file, so that you will receive communications timely.  If you are a registered member of our website, you can update your information in your profile yourself.  Otherwise, simply call me at 718-252-8777, or email me at tktyan@iatselocal4.org

President’s Page

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

      Welcome to the new President’s Column. Business Manager Lew Resnick felt it would be a good idea if your President contributed a few thoughts each quarter to our members and I have to agree.

       To start, I would like to congratulate each and every one of our members who worked at our various venues over the summer. Having been on an extended vacation myself this summer I did not personally get to visit any of the venues. However, having heard correspondence from many of the various Producers and Presenters (i.e. CitiField, Arthur Ashe Tennis Center, Keyspan ,etc…) I was very PROUD of all of you who contributed and represented Local No. 4 in such a professional manner.

       I am glad to say that none of the issues we encountered last year came back to haunt us this year. So, Kudos to all of  the Heads who ran the jobs.  And to all of you who worked under them and did so professionally, efficiently, and respectfully, THANK YOU!

       I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate two members who took the time and energy to better themselves, thus making us better by  becoming certified in their respected fields of expertise. First up, Brother Shannon (Sean) Suhku who took a training course offered by PRO TOOLS SOUND and is now a certified Pro Tools HD Operator. Also, Sister Amy Domjan who passed the ETCP Electrical Certification Test. Excellent job!!!

      On the subject of bettering ourselves as a Local, the more members with certifications the better and stronger we are as a Local. Prospective producers will know that by hiring Local No. 4 they are hiring qualified and talented people to build, set-up, and run their shows.

      In closing, I encourage each and every member to attend the General Meetings and become involved with what goes on in your Local. We want to hear from you and we are interested in your ideas that can help us lead you onward in the ever changing ways of our industry.