Motion Picture Operators #154, Seattle, commence to operate on five-day week, Sunday April 5, 1931.
In Bellingham our members were returned to work in the Fox Pacific Theatre on Sunday, Marvh 29th, after notices had been served on all Fox Pacific Theatres that our members services would be denied Sunday, March 29th, and a similar notice, effective April 11th, had been served on the Fox West Coast houses in Tacoma, Seattle and Portland.
The R.K.O. has changed their vaudeville policy and will start showing eight acts. One additional stage employee has been added to the crews in all cities affected.
In Tacoma, the Fox Broadway has issued two weeks notice to all employees. Whether they indend to close the house or only to discontinue the F. & M. Ideas, is not clear. The fight against the unfair suburban theatres in Tacoma is being carried on effectively by Local No. 175, who are receiving splended moral and active support from the labor movement of that city.
The Hughes-Franklin Company, opened Our Theatre (formerly the Grand) in Bellingham, on Saturday, April 4th. Negotiations were carried on with Mr. Crabb, Northwest Representative, in an attempt to have the house open fair, but without success. Mr. Franklin has instructed Mr. Crabb not to make any deals providing for two men in the booth.
This Bulletin can only be sent to you regularly if the material is sent in to compose same. Please do you bit and send in items of interest.- - O.M. Jacobson, District Secretary, District No. 1
Stage Employees #28 on five-day week. Have negotiated a deal with Hamrick placing a maintenance man on between this three houses.
ABERDEEN--All Houses in this city on a one-man basis. WENATCHEE, CENTRALIA, BELLINGHAM, YAKIMA, MT. VERNON-ANACORTES, POCATELLO and MEDFORD have all gone on a one-man basis throughout their respective jurisdictions. SEATTLE has made a settlement with the Far West Theatres (8 suburban houses) providing for one-man operation. TACOMA is now negotiating with the suburban theatre managers on the same basis. IDAHO FALLS reports going to one-man in smaller houses.
NOTE- Any local desiring details of any or all settlements referred to above can secure same by communicating with this office.
Fanchon-Marco are now only playing two Northwest cities, Portland and Vancouver, B.C., jumping from the latter to Butte.
Seattle Musicians are demanding that an oranist be placed in the Liberty--downrown house--which may mean the withdrawl of our members from four Jensen Vonherg houses if the matter is not adjusted.
This week Mr. Hamrick served notice on the Tacoma Local that he would operate unfair if they did not go one-man in his Blue Mouse Theatre on July 17th. Matter not yet acted upon by the Local.
Basel Gray, Business Representative of Local 15, Seattle, reports that Musicians, Stage Employees and performers are operating the Powers-Miller Stock Company at the Moore Theatre on a co-operative basis and doing a nice business. Playing this week "THAT'S GRATITUDE".
Only three Local Secretaries have sent in letters stating conditions in their cities. In order that the next Bulletin may be more complete and mailed out sooner, will you please instruct your secretary to write me giving conditions in your territory. Thank you! - - O.M. Jacobson, District Secretary, District No. 1
PORTLAND, OREGON LOCAL 28: - - Five-day week put into effect in all houses. Stock house showing to fair business.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON LOCAL 15: - - Stock house operating on co-operative basis closed the first of the year. Reopens this week with Laura LaPlante. All members working owing to several roadshows playing at the Metropolitan.
TACOMA, WASHINGTON LOCAL 81: - - R.K.O. running three days vaudeville and four days pictures. Local went on five-days basis February 1st. The first roadshow to play Tacoma in months: "Death Takes A Holiday", played the Temple Theatre February 5th and 6th to poor business. R.K.O. granted ten percent rebate on two full time men.
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON LOCAL 93: - - Fanchon-Marco has gone to three days pre week with balance of week pictures. Maintenance men are being negotiated for in two theatre houses and road call has been requested if negotiation are not successful. Walkathon at the Auditorium employing one man. R.K.O., which has been straight pictures, put in vaudeville three days per week, commening February 5th. Local #93 has been on a five-day basis for the past three months. Secretary reports R.K.O. serving notice of ten percent reduction and that Mr. Gill states that same has been agreed to on the coast. This will be dealt with in closing bulletin.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON LOCAL 154: - - Downtown houses all two men on five-day basis. Suburban houses one man six days. Number of unfair theatres augmented last week by Jensen Von-Herberg circuit of four houses. Local agreeable to some concessions, but demands made by company are impossible and local determined to fight it out. Members paying ten percent and picketing houses. Kelso, former member and late operator of a scab school, together with his associated Smith, another former member, were recently convicted in connection with stink bombing FAIR theatres, and given six months each. Seventeen students of the former school sued Kelso for $1,800.00, and in spite of the testimony of nearly all the managers in the city, the judge handed down a decision in favor of the students and at the same time assailed the mangers for their activities. Twenty-five of Local 154 are out-of-work.
TACOMA, WASHINGTON LOCAL 175: - - All but one suburban houses and three downtown houses have been out for over a year, with negotiations from time to time failing to bring settlement. Local has kept up a peristent fight with members paying assessments ranging form ten percent on the smaller jobs to thirty, yes!. I said thirty percent on the better jobs. While this fight might be discouraging to some locals, Local#175 advise me that there is no doubt about the final outcome. Fox Broadway may open soon with pictures only.
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON LOCAL 185: - - Reports the closing and reopening of two theatres. One, the State, being operated by Universal. Three houses reported unfair. All members from four to six days per week.
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON: - - Five houses reported running fair, with one unfair. All members but one working. Hughes-Franklin turned back theatre owing members one week's salary. Three vaudeville act policy used in one house for a time with R.K.O. rumored as opening soon.
POCATELLO, IDAHO: - - Reports all members working from three to six days each week, with conditions as good as could be expected, considering the time.
LEWISTON, IDAHO: - - Two theatres running. One unfair. One theatre dark. A reduction was granded to the Liberty Theatre, amounting to ten dollars per week. Negotiations have been carried on with the unfair hours----and it is remotely possible, that the local will sign it up.
MISSOULA, MONTANA: - - Still working two men in the projection room with conditions showing a slight improvement of late. A ten percent reduction was agreed to for this season.
VICTORIA, B.C., CANADA: - - All houses fair. A rebate was granted to the smaller houses for a time, but the former scale is now being paid. Six theatres operating full time with all members working. Two men operation.
R.K.O. REQUEST: - - Mr. Gill, Division Manager for the R.K.O., had made requests for relief in all his houses. Local #81, Tacoma, granted a ten percent reduction, less the $2.50 increase that they waived last September. This applies only to the swing shift electricians who are working full time.
On Monday, February 8th, a meeting was held in Seattle, attended by representativies of the four locals of Tacoma and Seattle, to discuss this question. Local #81 was censured for taking individual action. The matter was gone over quite thoroughly with nothing being done, as it was decided to communicate with Spokane and Portland, advising them that another meeting would be held in Seattle, at ten o'clock, Tuesday, February 16th, to take final action. Spokane reports that Mr. Gill stated to them, that the coast had agreed to a ten percent reduction, which of course, in not ture.
In closing, I wish to state the the response to my letter asking for reports was most gratifying. Only seven locals in the entire District failed to respond. Since reports were lengthy, and of necessity had to be abbreviated in order to keep down cost. - - With best wishes, I remain; Fraternally yours, O.M. Jacobson, Secretary District Number One
EUGENE, OREGON: - - Colonial Theatre (ind) has signed up with local after being unfair for the past two years. Contract with Fox signed for the coming year. Heilig and State Theatres (ind) unfair. Five members working full time.
SALEM, OREGON: - - Warner Brothers-Capitol Theatre, closed. Warners Elsinore operating with contract covering both houses signed for the coming year. Hollywood and Grand (ind) unfair. Only men working full time. Salem has given over the jurisdiction of Corvallis to the Eugene local, four members transferring from Salem to Eugene.
PORTLAND, OREGON LOCAL 28: - - The RKO Theatre has closed their vaudeville and operating a straight picture policy; F & M at the Paramount being the only stage show in town.
PORTLAND, OREGON LOCAL 159: - - Conditions with this local are not very good, 21 nonunion houses and 17 operating union. Local is up against several injunctions suits and has spent $70,000.00 in last couple of years, all of which has been raised by assessments. At last meeting the local voted $20.00 assessment per member to be paid by September lst. This in addition to their regular assessment.
ASTORIA, OREGON: - - One Fox and one independent theatre running. Fox house signed for the coming year with the other house demanding relief.
CENTRALIA, WASHINGTON - - Reports conditions same as at time of last convention.
BREMERTON, WASHINGTON: - - Demand made by Fox for one-man operation with local standing pat for present conditions with a ten- percent reduction. To be further negotiated upon Newman's (Fox Division Manger) return from New York.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON LOCAL 15: - - RKO has withdrawn vaudeville at Orpheum. F & M units moving from Fifth Avenue to Paramount on September 15th. one of Local 15's oldest members, Frank Halstead, died recently.
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON LOCAL 185: - - Contract signed with Fox for the coming year. Two men on shift at $68.00 per week. RKO asking reduction of 15% with local agreeable to some relief, but not that much Finklestein-Rosenberg, operating the Liberty, granted ten- percent reduction.
BOISE, IDAHO LOCAL: - - Contracts recently signed with Fox for the coming year. A few weeks following this, Publix took over all houses in Boise and a new contract was entered into with the latter and I understand that the settlement calls for one man on shift at $57.50 per week of six days, 5 1/2 hours per day.
IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO: - - Fox has taken over the Publix house in this city. Local gave some summer reduction with the understanding that old scale would again apply on August 18th. Now Fox is asking that a still further reduction be granted, Rex Theatre (ind) operating unfair, but is expected to close soon.
GREAT FALLS, MONTANA: - - Three theatres running. Contract runs for one more year with local granting ten- percent rebate until business gets better. Local states that they are weathering the gale in pretty good shape and except to hold present conditions.
VICTORIA BRITISH COLUMBIA: - - No change since the last convention. All stage employee members unemployed. Independent exhibitors in conjunction with the Paramount people are trying to have the B.C. two-man law repealed. But up-to-date have been unsuccessful. E.E. Harris, distributor of theatre supplies in Vancouver, seems to be going out of his way to assist theatre owners in their attempt to repeal this law. Protests to Heywood-Wakefield, Boston, B.F. Shearer and Perkins Electric of Winnipeg, brought replies from the first two named that they were not in any way connected with the Harris's acts. Harris later threatened suit against Victoria if statements to Heywood, ect. were not retracted. The matter is now in the hands of repective counsel of rather solicitors as they are called in Canada.
VANCOUVER, B.C. LOCAL 118: - - Crew working F&M and two maintenance men at Capitol are the only stage employees working. Combination house has but six attractions booked for the coming season. Dramatic stock is likely to open at the Empress.
OF GENERAL INTEREST: - - Since the above was written Seattle, #15 reports that stage employees at the Fox and Fifth Avenue have received two weeks notice of closing all stage attractions in these two theatres. Newman, Division Manager for Fox, had demanded a fifteen- percent cut for stage employees and #15 agreed to give him eight percent, approximately $5.00 per week per man. With stage salaries $65.00 top, #15 feel that they are going plenty far in the matter of relief, but there seems to be no satisfying the front of the house. Newman threatened to close the stage shows and the notice is evidently his method of trying to force #15 into submission.
John Hamrick, operating theatres in Seattle, Tacoma. and Portland served notice upon the stage employees, in the cities mentioned, some time ago that he was dispensing with their services. The matter adjusted temporarily, with the operators in the three towns making sacrifices. Two weeks ago he notified the operators that on September St he would insist on one-man operation in all his theatres and where he has one-man operation is demanding a reduction in salaries. His demands are so radical that there seems little hope of averting a break with him. However, the locals affected are trying to work the thing out by September 14th, which, if unsuccessful, will see 38 operators and five stage employees out of these houses.
Jenson VonHerberg, operating four theatres unfair in Seattle since last January, have taken over the RKO Theatre in Tacoma which I expect to reopen within a week. Negotiations are on in the, hope this company can be signed up. Jenson VonHorberg states that intend getting back into the business on a large scale.
Local #28, Portland, has sent in a check for $325.00 and Local #15 has forwarded a check for $188.00 to be divided between the Portland and Seattle operators. This is a voluntary contribution by these two locals and is sincerely appreciated.
The proposed meeting in San Francisco of the larger locals on the coast was not held owing to lack of interest displayed by California organizations. There was an unfortunate occurrence in connection with this matter. Local #118, Vancouver elected and sent a delegate to San Francisco. Correspondence is being exchanged with Vancouver and the matter will be satisfactorily adjusted.
On August 23rd, representatives from Medford, Eugene, Olympia, Bremerton, Bellingham, Wenatchee, Yakima and Spokane attended a meeting in Seattle. Several conferences were held with Mr. Newman, Division Manager for Fox, with the result that contracts were signed covering all these cities for the coming year, with the exception of Bremerton. Bremerton will be further negotiated upon Mr. Newman's return from New York. An average of about 12-1/2 reduction was conceded by these cities.
It will be noted that but five cities failed to send in reports after receiving my request for the latest news, and I wish to thank the secretaries who did send in report for this Bulletin. - - With best wishes, I remain, Fraternally yours, O.M. Jacobson, District Secretary.
SECRETARY’S LETTER:--The response to my call for material for this issue of the District Bulletin was answered by nine additional secretaries. Can it be that the idea of having these printed in regulaton newspaper style rather than the not so good looking mimeograph copies is the cause? Anyhow, I hope the remaining six secretaries join us next time and make it 100 per cent.
You will notice that our locals, with few exceptions, report still further improvement in their conditions, three of them reporting the opening of new houses. Washington locals not unmindful of the results accomplished at the last session of the state legislature have signified their desire to assist on legislative matters at Olympia this year.
The district treasury is in good shape with $1,050.00 on hand. Tacoma No. 81, Anacortes-Mt. Vernon and Victoria are the only locals not paid up. Last month we received another dividend of 10 per cent from the closed Washington National Bank, making a total of 76 per cent that this bank has paid out, with every indication that there will be further dividends paid.
Requests are occasionally received asking that I forward a copy of some local's by-laws. If you can spare two or three copies of your by-laws, kindly send them to me.
The splendid co-operation of the locals has made the compiling of this bulletin comparatively simple and is sincerely appreciated.
Fraternally yours, O.M. Jacobson, District Secretary
No change in the conditions in Medford. Four theaters running, all unfair. Only two members of our local are residing here at present. The remaining members are scattered about the country, some employed part time. We are attempting to maintain our local but our financial condition is very embarrassing at the present not giving us much of a chance to put up a fight. One or two of the members have, dug pretty deep into their own pockets at times to keep our local going.
Klamath Falls has a brighter outlook than Medford. We are positive we can sign up a house over there. One of our members working part time over there but we are having difficulty selling the idea to the head projectionist. Once we line him up, I believe we can go out and get the other three houses. We still are keeping our irons in the fire and working all angles. We are a long way from licked. - - PARKER BUNDY, Secretary
Brother Gordon Mackenzie has been reinstated. Membership now of 13. Brother W.E. Simpson of Austin, Texas, is working here at the Colonial Theater. Bradley Thompson, former secretary, now working in an ampere meter factory in Cleveland and keeping his dues up. Nothing has been accomplished at the unfair State Theater. It's a tough job. We can't even get next to him. HAROLD DE LORM, Secretary
Reports are going in too early to give a good detailed report. All members are working either part or full time. The Rivoli has had us in court the past week on an injunction hearing. No decision as yet.
The new officers for the ensuing year elected Jan. 2, are: G.G. Speck, President; Charles Porter, Vice President; E. M. Hazelwood, Secretary, J.S. Haughey, Financial Secretary-Treasurer; A. J. Haughey, Sergeant-At-Arms; Charles Porter, Jim Ryan, John Moore, Executive Board; John Moore, Business Agent. - - E M. HAZELWOOD, Secretary
On December 7, last, we attempted to negotiate an increase of ten cents per hour at the Capitol Theater. After several meetings with the management (Warner Bros.) an agreement was reached whereby the rate of $1.25 per week will apply and should the present policy change or the house go to less than seven days per week another contract will be negotiated. - - L.G. MITCHELL, Secretary.
We have acquired the Vancouver jurisdiction and we are organizing the territory now. Representative Jacobson and Mr. Leach of Longview, along with our representative, are working on it now and expect to have it completed in the very near future. - - We have a case in court in regard to picketing and will state that the anti-injunction law passed by the last legislature was a big help to us. - - Centralia and Chehalis are the same.
We are planning to co-operate with the locals of the state at Olympia this month. - - Two years ago we had 7 members with only two working. We now have 14 members and all working. W.A. KIRKPATRICK, Secretary
Reports in the papers stated one of our houses, the Empire Theater in Anacortes, was going to close its doors, but so far we have had no notice and it is still running. Business in both our houses has been very bad. We are still picking the Lincoln. - - Thomas Watters, Secretary
Three theatres running here now; one house 48 hours, one 38 hours, one 33 hours per week. Five men working part time. - - There is supposed to be a new house open here soon. Business is good. - - FRED TUCKER, Secretary
Conditions in Spokane have been at a standstill, as we have devoted all our efforts toward securing compliance to the NRA motion picture code by half the theatres in Spokane who have been, and still are paying whatever salary they can secure scab operators for. The non-union theatre owners have determined that they will not live up to the code, and that settles the matter in spite of all we have been able to do toward obtaining enforcement during the past year of continuous effort. We are still on the merry-go-round, but getting dizzy. - - H.W. SANDERS, Secretary
We have had some trouble with the Evergreen theaters, the Fox and Orpheum theaters, regarding the reduction of salaries of the maintenance men employed at the aforesaid theaters. We requested the I.A. for the services Representative Jacobson. After hearing both sides of the controversy, Brother Jacobson reported his findings to the local assembled with the result that the trouble was adjusted satisfactorily to both parties concerned. - - We have had one road show since our previous report. Fritz Leiber who played at the Masonic auditorium for three performances, carried an I.A. crew with a yellow card. - - We have at this time 13 members. - - W.J. McCARTHY, Secretary
Our second-run house has gone to three days per week. - - Our relations with the management have been excellent, but theatre business has been slow due to poor prices for apples in this district. Coulee Dam construction has not helped business here yet. Hope it is helping the fellows in Spokane. - - G.H. SCHUBERT, Secretary
Everything is running along ok in Bremerton. Conditions are good with three houses running and six men working. One is an outside man. - - JERRY CLARK, Business Agent
All men working a short week, Twentieth Century Picture Corp. are going to take a picture "Call of the Wild," in the Mt. Baker district. As yet we have placed no men. - - The local painters, electricians and building trades that are on the job now have promised us their support. - - Blaine, a small town near here, wants to sign up and things look fine. - - FRED A.GRAHAM, Secretary
Promises Good News - - - Things have been going along here as usual since the last report. All our houses are still running with all men working and also one outside man. At Christmas, Mr. Mercy presented all the boys with a very sizable check. This local expects to have some good news for the next issue of the Bulletin and something for other locals to shoot at, but we cannot reveal it at this time. - - ROBERT HAMMOND, Secretary
Hamrick's Music Box opened with 3-day vaudeville on Nov. 2. Some talk of trying out full week policy, but nothing definite as yet. - - Roxy still operating straight picture policy, with part time Maintenance man. - - Business has taken a nosedive past month. No prospects of any more work for the present. - - Our agreement called for a raise at Music Box on or about January 2nd, but we have not negotiated it as yet. - - FRANK J. MURTOUGH, Secretary
After being closed for repairs and renovation, Hamrick's Blue Mouse theater reopened as a first run "de luxe" house, same crew and paying the higher scale of first run houses. - - Hamrick's Music Box theater inaugurated a new policy of split week shows playing vaudeville and pictures three days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and double features or single de luxe features the other four days; no change in the crew in the operating room.
An appeal to the NRA compliance board regarding Constanti's Riviera theater seems to be having some effect and negotiations are under way to put our men back to work at this house where we have been locked out since October 4, 1930. - - No change in the status of the other unfair houses and we are still picketing them. All members working; quite a few on short time. - - W.G. SLOAN, Secretary
Prospects for the future look much brighter as decisions handed down by the NRA against John Danz were all favorable. Danz refused to arbitrate and refused to recognize the decisions of the NRA that all his theaters pay same scale as union houses of same classification, but nevertheless, had the guts to try and negotiate a government loan for $200,000.00, which was denied him. He fired two of his operators for union activities and they are now picketing his theaters using banners, reading: "Danz refuses to arbitrate and he owes back wages to his Employes."
Local 154 distributed circulars based on the NRA decision against Danz to every home in Seattle and also sold labor papers in front of his theaters. John C. Stevenson, ex-candidate for U. S. Senator, broadcast the facts about Dartz over the radio. Local 154 assessed each working member an extra 10 per cent to assist in carrying out the battle against Danz. We have been picketing the Roosevelt for the past three months and Danz has been unable to get an injunction.
Our local has appointed a committee of three members, Brothers McNabb, Cameron and Brown, to assist in the passage of more bills favorable to labor. - - Local 154 has a membership of 76, of which 56 are working steady, the remainder working part time. - - At our last election Robert Cameron was elected president and James McNabb re-elected Business Representative. - - George Kalushe, Secretary
Since our last report a new 350-seat house has opened in our jurisdiction at Shelton, Washington. We negotiated a two-year contract at this house at $1.00 per hour. - - We have also renewed our contract at the smallest house in town for another year. - - At the present time we are using two outside men. - - D.E. ELDREDGE, Secretary
The house reported under construction in last Bulletin has opened in Hoquiam. Another new house is being built in Aberdeen. - - All members are working full time for the first time in several years. - - DALE TREW, Secretary
Four houses: Liberty, pictures; Capitol, dark except vaudeville; Roxy, pictures; Keylor Grand will open today with pictures; nonunion. - - Have been trying to get men placed but the manager would give no answer until this (Thursday) morning. For that reason this report was held up. - - E.L. MacBOYLE, Secretary
The show business just prior to the holidays held up better this year than for several years past. Years before just prior to Xmas and New Years has always been very poor business.
Stage unit shows play here every two weeks and they do a fairly good business. Of course when we get a unit show that is not so hot business is not so hot either. So it shows that people want some kind of stage entertainment, but they want it to be good. Personally, I don't think the old time vaudeville where you see the same acts that you have, seen worked over and over again and most all times the second or third time you see an act you have seen some time before, you will swear that it is a complete flop. There is a mighty small field for ideas in vaudeville acts, so as I say, if they can't get some top notch acts all the time, then I see no big future for vaudeville and to have new ideas in vaudeville and to have them all good, well, that's a pretty big contract.
We look forward to fairly good business in this section for the year of 1935. We hope to be able to give more dope about the prospects of better wages and better working conditions in our next report. However we manage to improve our position gradually right along. We feel that we must consider the theaters recovery along with our desires to get back to our pre-depression status. I am happy to say that both theaters and ourselves are coming out of the slump in a substantial way. Something that will hold. And after all, that's what we want most; things that will be stable. - - H.L. KAESER, Secretary
There has been no change since the last report. We are all working four to five days a week. - - J.A. ROSKELLEY, Secretary
The wage scale at the Granada has been raised to the same as the Liberty and Roxy. - - B.F. HUGHES, Secretary
The theater business in Missoula has been very good the past few months and things seem to be on the upgrade. There are three theaters open here. Two Fox theaters are giving full time employment to four operators and the Fox-Wilma adds vaudeville every other Thursday. The third theater, the Community, is being run non-union by Thomas Grindley, former member of Astoria Local. He operates the machines, his wife sells tickets and his tow boys do the other work. We have this house declared unfair through our Local Trades Council.
The membership of this Local is nine members as one of our members has taken our withdrawal card. CHARLES ODENEALD, Secretary
The Broadway Theater opened up in December. They started out with pictures and a small stock show, but the stock show folded up after four days. They have been running third and fourth run pictures at 10 and 15 cents and have been doing fairly well. Running nights only.
All our men are working at the present time. Brother Sam Spiegel is in Helena doing his duty for labor as a member of the House of Representatives. - - We still have one out-of-town member here who is taking care of the odd jobs that show up. - - We wish all the brothers a Happy New Year. - - ED. D. CURRAN, Secretary
Since last report we have one new house, pictures only, the New Rio, seating 450, using union operator. - - R.J. HARTWIG, Secretary
Vaudeville and Cushman units playing the Beacon theater (old Pantages) with crew of three men. Business very good. - - Vancouver Theater, combination house. having very few attractions this season so far. - - Maintenance men are working steady in Orpheum, Capitol and Strand theaters. Two steady men at each theater. - - New Year's week, Orpheum tried out with vaudeville, with good business. Future policy uncertain. - - Empress theater. Very few shows have played there this season. The Scottish Players have been there for two weeks, with business, not so good. - - WALTER BLAKE, Secretary
The yearly election of officers resulted in four new members on the board. If the amount of unionism, optimism and energy expounded at the board's first meeting, can be accepted, as indications for the future, the unfair theaters within our city should be cleaned up within the year. They may do it at that; more power to them.
With deep regret, I report that our concerted efforts to get back at least part of our last reduction from Famous Players Canadian Corp., finally met with a flat refusal. It is conceded that show business in Vancouver is back to where it was in 1929-30.
The mere fact that Famous Players chief executive, Mr. N. L. Nathanson, in the presence of a representative body from this local, personally promised, that as soon as business showed improvement this money would be returned to us. This was almost two years ago. It is apparent that promises mean nothing, just like the old proverbial piecrust. - - We received a rumor that the government is contemplating codifying industries in Canada. Right on top of this report comes a circular from Local 299, Winnipeg, offering their present wage scale as a minimum for the code. - - Our local has decided to protest this on the grounds that to offer a low scale reached during the peak of depression, is both unfair and unjust, and most certainly detrimental to the advancement of the majority of locals in Canada. - - One must pause to reflect, is this more company propaganda or really honest endeavor on the part of Local 299. J.H. LESLIE, Secretary
To marr this pleasant news, vaudeville was discontinued in Tacoma the first of May and notices to the same effect have been served in Seattle and Portland. Show business is feeling the lumber strike, particulary the coast cities.
Local No. 154, Seattle and No. 159, Portland, have placed a man to operate portable sound outfits in their respective territories for the Chevrolet Motor Co. It is part of a national advertising program and I.A. men are being used. It is understood that Chevrolet intends to continue this means of advertising for a period of three years.
I wish to tank the secretaries who sent in reports for this Bulletin. I hope sometime to include all of then in an expression of appreciation.
Fraternally yours, O.M. Jacobson, District Secretary
Things are very much the same as they were at the time of the last report. Nothing new of any consequence. - - LEWIS G. MITCHELL, SECRETARY
We thought that things were on the upturn since our last report, but we have just received another smack in the eye: the members at the Orpheum have received their two weeks notice, stating that they are going to discontinue vaudeville, and go to straight picture policy, which means that four members are going to be added to the unemployed list, and that is anything but good news, as that will leave only the Paramount and Capitol theaters with flesh shows. We are expecting to have the Rivoli theater sign up and go on the fair list this week and that will help a little, as they have been unfair for over a year, and it clears up the down town theaters. The Columbia Gardens closed Saturday night, thereby putting a maintenance man out of work, also owing him one week's salary.
There are several other rumors afloat, but nothing authentic, therefore I will not mention them until a later date, and still hoping to see the flesh shows in full swing once again. - - The IBEW have been and are encroaching on our work. - - The Portland symphony orchestra is going to San Diego for an engagement at the fair and we are putting on a roadman.
Heard at Local 28's last meeting: "Pop" Campbell says Brother Morgan, flyman at the Orpheum, should be a swell swimmer, he makes so many motions. W.E. DAY, Secretary
There has been very little change in conditions concerning this local in the past two years. There was for a time a demand for a reduction at the two houses that are operating but such demands have been pretty well checked and no mention has been made by the houses in the past month.
All houses in our jurisdiction are fair and all resident members are working. - - One of our members, M. J. Schoren recently took a job in Portland where he also holds a card. - - ANTON CHRISTENSEN, Secretary
Much water has gone under the old bridge since the last Bulletin and the old ship while slightly scarred is still able to make steam and navigate.
At the time of Mr. Gaffney's visit last fall we went into the Hollywood Theater case. Through the efforts of Mr. Gaffney, Brother Jacobson and ourselves, we finally reached an agreement. As the member's of the district probably know, this theatre belonging to the Evergreen circuit, cut the booth cost from $88.00 per week to $47.10. We fought them from every angle possible and still be within the law. As a last resort we sent a communication to the IA asking permission to withdraw our men. Brother Jacobson was sent in on the controversy and after three days work the matter was finally disposed of.
As I am generally writing bad news I feel as though I must unload a bit of good news. - - For the past few years we have been fighting the Rivoli Theatre. On May 8 through the efforts of Brother Moore, our Business Agent, the Rivoli finally decided to come into the union fold. We owe Brother Moore considerable and at this time we should extend to him a vote of thanks on the way he handled this case and many others in the past.
Now something else has come up the IBEW have started to worm their way into our jurisdiction. Local No. 28 is having plenty of trouble and from bits of conversation picked up here and there the IBEW is ready to put men on our jobs in the event of trouble. They are claiming the jurisdiction of portable equipment. We have one portable in the field now and the Electrical Workers say this must stop and their man put on. - - It behooves every local in the District to write to the IA and protest at this action of the IBEW. - - E.M. HAZELWOOD, Secretary
Upon the opening of the new theatre here this week we now have six full time jobs and things are going good.
We have received eight replies to date from locals that have acted on our insurance proposal and only one local was against it. - - To assist us in preparing data for our proposed plan we would appreciate it if every Secretary, regardless of whether his local is for or against the idea, would send us the names and ages of each and everyone of their members. - - FRED TUCKER, Secretary.
Conditions in this city have been uneventful until the Evergreen theatre management decided to discontinue the services of our maintenance man. After the Local negotiations without results, the matter was referred to Representative Jacobson, who is at present working on the problem. - - G. SCHUBERT, Secretary
At the present time with the U.S. fleet on maneuvers, the navy yard force is smaller than usual and consequently show business is not so good. - - There are four houses running at present here: two independent and two run by Fox (Evergreen.) - - Conditions are good. We have seven men working; one is an outside man. - - With best wishes to all locals. - - W.E. BROOKING, Secretary
Conditions since last report have been slightly better. We had one new house in Anacortes open up and run three days per week. Owing to the lumber strike both our houses in Anacortes are closed up, as this is quite a mill town. However, we hope to see them both reopen soon again. - - THOMAS WATTERS, Secretary
John Hamrick has discontinued vaudeville at his Music Box theater which leaves No. 81 with only its maintenance men, except for the occasional stage shows that may play. If Ed. Curran would come over from Butte we might go "Pearl hunting." - - FRANK MURTOUGH, Secretary
I trust that I will be pardoned for the briefness of this report. It is due entirely to the chain letter craze. While I am not investing any dimes or dollars, I am personally replying to all those remembering me with their letters and this courtesy is keeping me busy. - - We are holding our own but expect to be able to report some real progress in the next Bulletin. - - W.G. SLOAN, Secretary
Since the last report Local 401 has completed its organization work which takes in the following towns: Centralia, Chehalis, Raymond, South Bend, Kelso, Longview, Vancouver and Camas, Washington.
In all the A houses we were able to establish a uniform scale of $1.25 per hour; in the B houses we were able to establish a uniform scale of $1.00 per hour except in two cases where it is a little less and we feel to force it would mean closing the, houses. - - We have established the 6-day week in Raymond, South Bend, Vancouver and Camas. These places were all working 7 days. - - The local has been able through the assistance of Representative Jacobson to line up 14 houses and gain an increase in salary for 16 working members of $7,000.00 per year. - - W.A. KIRKPATRICK, Secretary
Spokane has one more union since our last report. Mr. H.D. McBride, former city manager for the Evergreen theatres, has taken over the Granada Theatre form Jim Lyons. Mr. Lyons had insisted on running this theatre for the past two years with non-union operators. Me. McBride contacted for union operators immediately upon taking possession of the Granada Theatre. The labor movement of Spokane has been notified of this change of policy and the theater is feeling the results of patronage, which has been withheld for the past two years. Spokane has several new union organizations and the labor movement is stronger than is has been for several years. - - H.W. SANDERS, Secretary
Nothing has taken place here of any consequence. Have had a few road shows play this city. - - Conditions here remain in a very poor state, only four men working, and then on part time only. - - We now have 14 members in good standing. - - W.J. McCARTHY, Secretary
All our theatres are running full time and all our members are working. At present we are using two outside men. - - Our stage attractions are increasing. We have no regular circuit vaudeville but we are playing quite a few radio shows and picked vaudeville, etc.
Brother Hill recently returned from an extended stay in California where he went for his health and Brother Dodge, instead of being carried feet first, walked out of the hospital, having recovered from what was at first thought to be fatal electrical burns.
Very little interest was shown by Washington locals during the recent session of the legislature s Brother Andreus, after spending considerable time on several bills that we are certain would have proved beneficial to our craft and which would have had a very good chance to pass, decided that a lone fight would not bring about the desired results. - - D. ELDREDGE, Secretary
On account of the lumber strike business is somewhat slow. - - The Avalon runs only three days a week while the strike is on. - - Al Bostrom, our Business Agent, has been sick but will soon be out again. - - All the houses are running double features. - - We are still picketing the Grand. The men from the lumber mills are helping us on the picket line. - - FRED GRAHAM, Secretary
BROTHER BOOTH WAXES MERRY - - An agreement was reached with John Danz, ending a 13 year old fight. - - Crews in the Paramount and Orpheum received two weeks notices. Vaudeville closing for the summer. - - Another Potlatch celebration is to be held in Seattle this summer and our members expect to receive more work than they did last year.
Our business agent, Brother Gray, was appointed judge of a horse race held recently at Woodland Park. It was reported that it was the most crooked race ever held in the United States. Brother Gray picked the third horse as the winner.
Brother Crickmore is to go as roadman with the Seattle symphony orchestra to the San Diego fair. - - Brothers Alde and Schultz on the road for two days with the Seattle Repertory Players. - - Brother Booth now stage carpenter at the Civic Auditorium. - - Brother Davidson has a set of left-handed golf clubs that he will sell very reasonably or will trade for two quarts of good liquor. - - Brother Frank Vincent in town to check up on his local holdings and clip off some more coupons. - - That is all for now as I have to get out my chain letters. - - E.C. BOOTH, Secretary
It is with considerable satisfaction that Local 154 reports the settlement of the 13-year fight with the John Danz theaters and this local. Agreements were signed with Danz by Business Representative McNabb of Local 154, Business Representative Basil Gray of Local 15, Business Representative Carbon Weber of Building Service Employes. Brother McNabb also signed agreements with the Embassy and Market theatres, which unionizes two more theatres that we have fought for 6 years. Local 154 hopes to report very soon the signing up of the Von Herberg theaters and several of the smaller houses below the slot, making Seattle once again 100 per cent union.
Hamrick's Music Hall closed the first of April. Rex, Old Plan, reopened under John Danz's management. Hamrick's Orpheum and Evergreen's Paramount, according to reports, are to discontinue vaudeville for the summer.
Local 154 requested that the following letter be printed in the Bulletin for other Local's guidance in case this haywire outfit attempts to play schools, auditoriums or department stores in their jurisdiction:
Gentlemen:
Your impertinent collect telegram has just been received by me. The check which you speak of would have been sent before this, though we pay our bills between the first and tenth of each month, was not the auditor in Spokane at this time.
It was nothing short of high-grade blackmail, foisting your operator on the company at the time that you did. Legally, we were under no obligation to take your operator as this was an educational film and no admission was charged. You were quite well aware of this fact and that is the reason you brought your man five minutes before the showing of the film. You did not wait or give opportunity for proper action to be taken in the matter and you saw to it in a first class highway robbery style.
We are deducting from the amount due, your collect telegram, which you sent without authorization and on your own volition. In the future, we can assure you that we will be well aware of your union and have all legal action prepared for well in advance of any of your usual unethical tactics.
Very truly yours, - - Eagle Films, Inc.
Enclosing check covering operator $7.50 per day for six days. Kindly send bill." - - GEORGE KALUSHE, SecretaryApril 4, 1935
Operators Local No. 154
Labor Temple - - Seattle, Washington
J. Henry Helser, President
Conditions remain the same here. We plan on asking for a salary increase this fall. - - J.A. ROSKELLEY, Secretary
Most of the time in the past I have had a few items to make a report on, but sorry to say nothing has happened for the past quarter that is hardly worth in mentioning. To say that we are getting along with the managements in complete accord is, I suppose the reason for such a quiet past quarter. Maybe we better get something started. Ask for raise or just ask them for an anything; then it won't be so quite. - - HOMER L. KAESER, Secretary.
N.B.-In his last report Secretary Kaeser invited anyone passing through Boise on May 19 to participate in their big theater party, but the Bulletin is going to press too late to accept.- O.M.J.
Everything the same as in last report. Hope to better conditions and wages first of August. - - L.F. COLLINS, Secretary
Note: No report from Lewiston 0.M.J.
There has been no change whatever here, so there is nothing to report. - - CHARLES L. PALMER, Secretary
Can't say that there has been anything new happening in the jurisdiction of Local 339 since our last report to you. - - One more of our stagehands has, taken out withdrawal card and is now on government work. Expect to have him back again as soon as there is an opening him. - - The theaters have been doing great business here the last months and they sure have been playing to full houses. They have cut out the Cushman unit shows; haven't had but one in the twelve weeks.
Still have Tom Grindley of Community on the unfair list. He is owner, manager, operator, and what not at this joint. Everybody around this burg has gone nuts on the chain letter racket. Wish we could get 'em started on a few road shows and vaudeville creates some work for the deck hands. - - CHARLES ODENWALD, Secretary
Not much of interest to the district, outside of our combination house, the Fox-Babcock burned down in February, then the Fox deluxe house went to 10-hours grind, 2 men on shift.
That leaves only three theatres operating here, the Fox, the Rio, two fair houses and one non-union house, the Lyric. The Babcock is in process of reconstruction and probably will be ready for reopening about August 1, with about the same conditions. It is understood it will be designed and refinished, inside, after the style of the Fox house here, with a new counter-weight system and the pin rail on the stage floor but with very little change in the booth.
It is with deepest regret, we here record the passing of our esteemed former Secretary of Local 240, Brother Milton B. Hall, who died April 8 after about a month's illness. He was a fine fellow and a great loss to us. - - M.J. KENNEDY, Secretary
There has been very little change in conditions in Local 213 since the last report. We have 3 houses running, employing 8 operator's full time, and 1 operator part time. There has been very little stage work for some time. Stagehands picking up a few shifts with minor stage attractions. We have just finished a walkathon, which employed one stagehand for 7 weeks; have also started a series of American Legion fights and have managed to place a few stagehands on them. The fights are held at the fair grounds. As the picture theaters have been doing a good business, we do not look for a serious curtailment this summer. - - JOHN H. CASE, Secretary
No change since last report. We have three houses operating full time. - - R.J. HARTWIG, Secretary
Nothing of interest to report. No changes since last quarter. - - EDWARD CURRAN, Secretary
Orpheum, Capitol, Strand theaters, playing pictures only. Two maintenance men employed at each theatre. For the past eight weeks, the Strand has had "Radio Discovery Night" on Wednesdays only. - - The Empress theatre has recently played two concerts, the Bach Choir and the United Choir. Three members employed for each concert. - - The Beacon theatre is still playing pictures and vaudeville. Carpenter, Property Man and Electrician employed. - - The Vancouver theatre at present is being remodeled, installing sound and reports are that it will open shortly with pictures and six acts of vaudeville. Two men employed to date. - - WALTER BLAKE, Secretary
The Empire theatre, except for an occasional road show, is dark, No change since last report. - - C. RAU, Secretary
Vancouver Again 100% I.A. - - Local 348 has just successfully completed a drive that should be of interest to the locals in District No. 1, in fact, we believe if this move is handled properly by our Canadian vice president, coupled with the co-operation of the locals in Canada, it should be the means of eliminating the now existing dual organizations, and possibly inspire a drive to organize the whole of Canada under the I.A. banner.
Local 348 faced a problem whereby they bad to straighten out three factions operating in this city and all working to the detriment of each other, the result was that wages and conditions were gradually slipping away from us and the exhibitor stood ready to reap the benefit We realized that only two alternatives were open to us, viz: to wage a strong tight or make an attempt at affiliation. A committee after carefully surveying the territory decided the only sane thing to do was attempt to organize the entire city solid, realizing that to levy an assessment at this stage with the morale of the members already in a weakened condition and attempt to wage any kind of successful fight against such odds, would be a foolish move and one that would only tend to drag us further town.
Upon the recommendation of the committee the local voted to open its charter for 30 days and reduce the initiation fee from $250 to $100. They also gave the committee and the executive board full power to accept in whole or in part, the entire A.C.C. Union and all non-union men working.
I am pleased to report that at a special meeting and banquet held on May 1, the local with the assistance of the trades and labor executive initiated 18 new members and reinstated 4 former members into the local. This gives us control of 22 more jobs and absorbs the entire membership of thee A.C.C. Union here. We are now in the happy position to boast 100 per cent organization government legislation calling for two men in the booth at times.
The enclosed letter speaks for itself and we hope it will be used to advantage on a similar drive by other locals in Canada. - - The following is a copy of letter written by National Union of Theatrical Employes, Local No. 4, chartered by the All-Canadian Congress of Labor, of Vancouver, B.C., and is being mailed to all locals of the A.C.C. and I.A.T.S.E. in Canada in the interest-organized projectionists:
Dear Fellow Workers:
During the past few months considerable time and effort has been given in an attempt to organize all motion picture projectionists under one, banner, rather than the three, factors that now exist in B. C.
Since the starting of Local No. 4, N.U.T.E., a natural ill feeling has existed between the three respective bodies, with the result that organized labor in our craft, whatever their opinions, regarding affiliations, have lost their security.
We have made attempts at working agreements with the I.A.in an effort to secure fair scales, but this has not proved satisfactory, as the non-union element is always present, with the result that all parties lose confidence in each other. During the time that this mild warfare has been going on among the projectionists, exhibitors have been preparing to take advantage of the various factors, and we understand on good authority that a wage cut is forthcoming and with present conditions prevailing we shall be unable to resist it.
With the I.A. controlling approximately 70 per cent of theaters in B.C., the wage scale is set by them, and we find ourselves in the position of having to man jobs at a lesser scale, or with the failure of either union in securing these jobs, non-union men are ready to operate these theaters at wages that jeopardize the entire province. The ultimate result of the negotiations of the past weeks is that all motion picture projectionists in B. C. become organized under the I.A.T.S.E.
It is with regret that we forward this information to you but we feel that by retiring from the A.C.C. at this time, and lending our support in an effort to maintain our present scales, rather than continue a, three-cornered fight that will undoubtedly have an unfavorable result, we are furthering the aims of organized labor generally.
Therefore the following resolution has been passed:
"We, the members of Local No. 4, N.U.T.E., believe it to be for the best interests of ourselves and organized labor as a whole, particularly motion picture projectionists, to develop and maintain a 100 per cent organization to derive the full benefits of collective bargaining, do hereby resign from all affiliations with the A.C.C.
To put the above in effect we are affiliating with the I.A.T.S.E. and M.P.M.0., that organization being a majority of motion picture projectionists; in this district.
P.S.-The charter for Local No. 4, N.U.T.E., together with all paraphernalia is being returned under separate cover."
J.H. LESLIE, SecretaryW.T. Burford, Secretary-Treasurer
All Canadian Congress of Labor, Ottawa, Ont.
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