PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Message from Local President Adam Reisz:
February 2025
Greetings Brothers and Sisters,
The IATSE works, nationally and internationally, to watch that entertainment worker’s
rights are respected and to help ensure that all entities, including the government, respect
those rights and the laws that enforce them. These laws are designed to protect the
worker. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Member Gwynne Wilcox dismissal is a
clear attack on workers’ rights.
With a Senate-confirmed term extending through 2028, Wilcox’s dismissal leaves the
NLRB without a quorum. Lack of quorum hinders enforcement of laws and the
fundamental rights of private-sector workers, including IATSE entertainment workers.
Worker protection for unfair labor acts is provided through the NLRB, a place where
workers seek justice in cases of unfair labor practices that violate the National Labor
Relations Act. Recent changes enacted by the current administration have created a
functionless board leaving countless workers without legal recourse. Entertainment
workers are threatened with losing employer accountability protections, the freedom to
organize and to negotiate fair-minded, equitable contracts. Worker protections under
federal law rely on an effective, operational NLRB.
The administration actions related to the NLRB directly endanger entertainment
workers. IATSE General Counsel Samantha Dulaney said, “This brazen dismissal of
Gwynne Wilcox is a clear attack on workers’ rights and a dangerous precedent for
independent federal agencies. The NLRB exists to protect workers from exploitation and
ensure fair treatment in the workplace. By dismantling its ability to enforce our nation’s
labor laws, the Trump administration has put the rights of every private-sector worker at
risk. This decision does not reflect strength—it reflects contempt for America’s
workforce.”
Be alert. Educate yourself on the role and responsibilities of the NLRB. It is through
agreements, alliances, and partnerships, that the union movement holds true. Respect
for one another, working together, while aligning on common issues will make us
stronger and ready to build a durable future.
The Studio Mechanics are always seeking new, qualified members across our membership
opportunities. Stay current through some of the training opportunities available through
Linked In Learning and AVIXA. Call in your jobs and recommend your Brothers and Sisters
for work first, before offering a nonmember’s name.
In Solidarity,
Adam Reisz
President, IATSE Local 493
Missouri Studio Mechanics
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
December 2024
Greetings Brothers and Sisters,
As the end of the year approaches, take a moment to celebrate the many achievements
each of you has accomplished professionally and personally. Recognize the challenges
you have overcome and the work within yourself that you may feel still needs attention.
Recognizing professional growth comes in many ways, consider joining one of the Studio
Mechanics’ many committees to help shape the direction of our union through your
participation. Active members share the common trait that our union is a priority in their
lives. Take the step to protect your career and make a difference through solidarity.
With New Year around the corner, these questions will help shape my efforts next year both
professionally and personally. What did I learn this year? What do I need to learn for next
year? And what do I need to unlearn overall? Develop your own motivation to be relevant in
an ever-changing professional environment. There are many technical and political
challenges we will face in the Entertainment Industry next year. Protect your way of life
through active participation in the Missouri Studio Mechanics. Your support to maintain the
standards of employment will make a difference. Attend meetings and join a committee.
The Studio Mechanics are always seeking new, qualified members across our membership
opportunities. Stay current through some of the training opportunities available through
Linked In Learning and AVIXA. Call in your jobs and recommend your Brothers and Sisters
for work first, before offering a nonmember’s name.
Have a healthy, happy, and prosperous holiday season and New Year!!
In Solidarity,
Adam Reisz
President, IATSE Local 493
Missouri Studio Mechanics
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
9/24/2024
Greetings Brothers and Sisters,
I am late in thanking each of you for trusting me with the role of President of the Studio
Mechanics for the State of Missouri. My delay has not interfered with taking on the role
and responsibilities of the position. It has slowed the opening of a clear communication
channel between each of you and me. Reach out, I will respond.
Please take a moment to thank Dave Kube, Past President, for his years of service as
in which our membership grew during difficult times. His leadership helped navigate our
growth through a strike, Covid and no tax incentive. Outstanding achievements in
adverse conditions.
For those of you who do not know me, I have freelanced for over 38 years with 35 of
them in Missouri. My experiences have spanned the transition from Film to Digital with
work performed primarily in the Grip, Lighting and Sound departments. I am also Vice
President of IATSE 143 Audio Visual Technicians/Projectionists.
The Studio Mechanics are always seeking new, qualified members across our
membership opportunities. The MO Film Tax Incentive will create opportunities for our
union to occupy jurisdictions we protect. Encourage membership, it benefits all of us.
With the busy schedules that we all have with family and work, try to be an active union
member by attending meetings in person or virtually, by staying current through some of
the training opportunities available through Linked In Learning and AVIXA, by calling in
your jobs and most importantly by recommending your Brothers and Sisters for work
first, before offering a nonmember’s name.
In Solidarity,
Adam Reisz
