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04/26/21 – Monday News Blast

From the International

“Yesterday, President Biden announced every American 16 years of age or over is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. With over 200,000,000 doses administered in the country, the authorized vaccines in the United States (Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna) have been proven to provide significant protection from the COVID-19 virus, especially when used in conjunction with other mitigation practices such as wearing proper masks and PPE, frequent hand-washing, and social distancing.

COVID-19 has devastated our industries, our communities, and our families. In this critical moment, we cannot afford to go backwards, and we must use every tool at our disposal if we are to defeat this virus once and for all.

Therefore, after consulting IATSE’s in-house epidemiologists and public health experts, we are strongly urging every IATSE member to do your part and get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as you can

Click here for information regarding the COVID-19 vaccinations, and how to find a vaccination appointment near you.

In solidarity,
Matthew D. Loeb
IATSE International President
and
Gregory R. Wagner, M.D.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health”

AFL-CIO – Workers Memorial Day

At 11 am on April 28, 2021, the South Central Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO will observe Workers Memorial Day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job, and to renew the fight for safe jobs.

Event will be held outside at Madison Labor Temple, and live streamed at www.scfl.org

Media Advisory for Monday April 26, 1:30 PM, Wisconsin State Capitol Steps. Support the PRO act.

Virtual PRO act rally – April 29, 3pm via zoom

Sign up at https://www.wisaflcio.org/mobilize

VIRTUAL Biennial Convention of the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans

April 28th, 11:00am – 1:00pm.
More info at https://wisconsin.retiredamericans.org/2021/04/08/biennial-meeting/

Overture Blood Drive – Tue April 27 – 9am-2pm

More info at overture website
https://www.overture.org/events/blood-drive

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03/22/21 – Monday News Blast

Support Madison Nurses

The SEIU Nurses at Meriter notified their employer that they are prepared to strike beginning March 24, should the employer refuse to come to an agreement that helps nurses heal and better serve their patients, who many of us have been.  The nurses have been on the frontline fighting with us and for us.  It’s now time to stand with our Union Sisters and Brothers.  
More info and what you can do to add support found HERE.

As of Sunday, NBC reports a tentative deal has been struck.

Educational Opportunities

Many upcoming classes focused on re-opening procedures and COVID safety/compliance. Hosted virtually by Lankey and Limey LTD.
https://llltd.events/class-information-entertainment/

Registration is now open for the New World Rigging Symposium (NWRS), produced by ESTA and USITT, which will take place online April 6-8, 2021. The cost has been reduced to $99 and the Symposium carries up to 9 ETCP education renewal credits for re-certification. The Symposium has been expanded to three days to allow more time for discussion and virtual networking over lunch and during the Rigging Cornucopia Happy Hour that will close each day’s sessions.
https://www.usitt.org/nwrs

Petition for Confirmation of Labor Department Candidates: Walsh/Su

President Biden nominated lifelong champions of labor and workers’ rights last month to lead the Department of Labor (DOL): Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, a longtime union leader, for secretary of labor, and California Labor Secretary Julie Su for deputy secretary of labor.
If confirmed, Marty Walsh would become the first union leader to head the DOL in more than four decades.
Sign The Petition

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Peter Pan Cast learns how to fly

Reposted from NBC15 Madison

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) — Before ‘Peter Pan,’ the Tony award-winning musical comes to Capitol Theater, the actors must learn how to fly.

The cast of Peter Pan the musical rehearses wire flying.

“It’s just an out-of-life experience,” Laetitia Hollard, who plays Peter Pan, said. “Theater is the only place you can do things like this. It’s so magical.”

To create the wonder, the 16-year-old star from McFarland shows that hard work is top priority.

“The flying process really impacts the singing,” she said. “I’ve been doing crunches, jumping jacks, just to get my core ready, so that when I’m flying I can sound exactly the same, as if I am on the ground.”

Hollard also gets a little help from flyman David Gersbach. For Peter Pan to jump up, Gersbach must jump down.

“The hardest part is just trying to learn the sequence, then feeling the weight of the actress and still trying to keep them within the flow of the performance itself,” Gersbach said.

Full of “trust,” Hollard said, “I do the least amount of work. I just have to stand there and keep my core open and sing.”

Gersbach said he prefers working behind the curtains.

“Obviously,” he said, “the most important part of this position is making sure that the art is happening on stage. We should really be transparent back here.”

The magic is brought by the Children’s Theater of Madison, shows starting Saturday, March 14. Tickets can be found on its

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South Central Federation of Labor 2017-2018 Scholarship Application

The South Central Federation of Labor offers scholarships to members and their families. Members and children of members who belong to any of our affiliated unions, live or work in one of our six counties, have not yet received a post-secondary degree, and have not previously been awarded a SCFL scholarship are eligible to apply.  We award four $1000 scholarships, by lottery drawing from amongst the eligible applicants.  The application deadline is Friday, June 30 and the winners will be drawn at our July 3rd Executive Board meeting.

In addition, for members or children of members who live or work in Dodge County, we are offering two additional $500 scholarships.   These scholarships will also be determined by lottery drawing from amongst Dodge County applicants who do not win the $1000 scholarships.

Applicants can download the forms from our website (www.scfl.org) or download from the link below, fill them in on their computer, save and email them to Sharon@SCFL.org, if they prefer.

SCFL Scholarship Application

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The first annual Joe McWilliams Scholarship winner has been announced!

Pictured below are J.C McWilliams(right) and Plaegian (McWilliams) Alexander(left) presenting Local 251 member Matt Rockwell(center) with a $1000 scholarship check.  Local 251 is forever grateful for all the contributions Joe made and is continuing to make to help improve the lives of Local 251 members.

Matt Rockwell receiving the first Joe McWilliams scholarship!
Matt Rockwell receiving the first Joe McWilliams scholarship!

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Statement from IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb on Supreme Court Marriage Equality Decision

“Today’s Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage is a victory for civil rights, and therefore human rights and worker rights. It is a truly historic moment. We are grateful for those who have fought hard for this right and are especially proud for our LGBTQ members.

We must remember that the fight is not over for full equality for LGBTQ individuals. Workers still face unfair discrimination and risk job termination because of who they love. As advocates for workplace safety and equality, we know these protections are important.

All workers deserve fair treatment and respect on and off the job. We stand proudly as allies for the LGBTQ fight for full equality in this country.”

– Matthew D. Loeb, IATSE International President

Source: IATSE Website (Friday, June 26, 2015)

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Stop Fast Track

WHAT IS FAST TRACK?

Fast Track legislation shrouds trade deals in secrecy. It makes it nearly impossible for Congress to fix trade deals that harm our economy and environment. It prevents citizens from providing input to proposals while the deal is being negotiated. It makes you wonder what they’re trying to hide.

For more details and to sign the petition, visit the International’s website.

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Overture Hall Orientation and Basic Theater Class

Come and learn how to get around Overture Hall, and pick up some basic and important theater knowledge.

Overture Hall’s Master Carpenter, Dave Gershbach and Master Electrician, Gary Cleven will be leading a general orientation of Overture Hall and teaching some basic skills that will help you be a successful stage hand when working in Overture Hall.

If you’ve ever wondered what the “Gary” room is or how to get to the catwalks come and find out.

Class is February 26th at 6pm in Overture

To register please contact Dominic Stryker at dominicstryker1@gmail.com.

There is no charge for this class.

This class is for people who have little experience in the theater and specifically Overture Hall but are interested in being prepared when the opportunity to work in Overture Hall arises.

Please spread the word!!