Meet the Candidates -Response

Hi All,
I won’t be able to join in this event because kiddos bedtime routine is like a three act play. Instead I tried to answer as many of your questions as I could without being repetitive. Please let me know if I can further clarify anything. 
Questions are in italics







What are your top 3 concrete actionable priorities if you are elected?

1. Get the results of the union census out not just to the membership but to the public.
2. Define the Associate position for live performance. Normalize union contracts for associates. 
3. Code of conduct and reporting of workplace discrimination, with clear accountability steps. 

Where do you stand on the creation of a national HR resource for sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other complains to be made that would take the place of HR complaints to individual theaters?  
Sounds interesting how about yes and.

What do you plan to do to increase representation of minorities in the union? 
Shine a light on barriers of entry and encourage deep investigation into systematic racism within our ranks and throughout our industry

Do you support the Diversity Committee & Respectful Workplace Taskforce's CALL TO ACTION ?                 
Yes, did the board not even respond to that? Please do not wait for elections to be over support this. 

How many board meetings, committee meetings, or other union (not election) related meetings have you attended since the mid-March shut down, and what have you been working on during them for the good of ALL members?    
Since the shut down I have been to the BIPOC listening session and one GMM. The one right after the listening session. I was vocal during the listening session, I tried to ask thoughtful questions during the GMM but they went unanswered.           
 
If you haven't held a position on a board or participated in a committee, why is now the time for you to take a leadership position in the union and what about your fresh point of view makes you the right person for the position?
I'm not sure if this questioner would count my time serving as Diversity Committee Co-chair as being on a Committee. Or maybe I don't because I felt like we were so disconnected from the membership and the board. Now is the time because not working on the problem of BIPOC representation within the union makes me feel like an Uncle Tom.            
My question is about the offensive email that was sent by former 829 financial secretary Cathy Keator to members warning them that BIPOC and racial justice candidates should not be in charge of the pension. What is your response to these dog-whistle racist comments? Also, what are your thoughts on former and current union officials exerting the power of their office to sway the election? 
Wait what?! I did not get this email, crazy! 
But I do think this election has been super ugly. I received an email letting me know why I should vote for someone other than myself 🤣🤣🤣
It has made me sad and angry and disappointed. I also think some of it was clearly negative campaigning but I don't know if there are clear steps of repercussions for negative campaigning.       
             
What are your thoughts on the fact that members working in MOPIC bring in an overwhelming majority of union funds yet are woefully under represented on our boards? 
Yep that's messed up and should be fixed          
         
Would you support having Zoom GMMs in perpetuity? If that is not possible then how can we ensure that our working members are able to participate in GMMs considering the meetings happen at a time and location that makes it impossible to attend when you are working?                 
Yes, virtual GMMs forever please.

How will you work to make communication between the board and business offices and membership more transparent?        
Constantly asking questions  
         
"Given the current posturing of management in the entertainment industry as a result of COVID, it seems likely that our employers will insist that wage cuts (or at minimum no increases) will be a forthcoming position for the next round of contract negotiations. How do you intend to counter the argument that ""the whole industry is hurting"" and that returning to work with lower or stagnant wages is simply the cost of the pandemic?"        
I think we have to stand firm, on at least a cost of living increase. Along with clearer standards on working hours and support. If we cut back now we will have to work twice as hard in the future to regain that respect for our labor and our craft.

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