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UPPNET News In This Issue: Midwest Labor Media Conference Seoul '98 International Labor Film & Video Fest Remembering Videographer Jerry Fargusson NABET 41: "You've Got ScabMail!"
By Joal Ryan, E! Entertainment Although still mired in third place in the primetime race, ABC rocketed ahead of competitors this week as TV's most watchable network--offering a lineup chock-full of suspense and unexpected drama. Unfortunately, none of that stuff was on purpose. Since Monday, ABC has devolved into a The reason: A one-day walkout by the network's nearly 2,000 techies compounded by a subsequent network lockout of the same workers. A lack of experienced hands on deck has made for numerous live TV nightmares on ABC-produced programs such as "Live! With Regis Kathie & Lee", "Monday Night Football", "The View", "Good Morning America" and "World News Tonight with Peter Jennings". Botched remotes, unsteady camera zooms, malfunctioning ear pieces, and, that viewer favorite, assorted microphone hums--they're are all part of what makes, say "Regis & Kathie Lee", an almost thrilling viewing experience these days. As the lockout wears on, what you don't see or
hear is also becoming a factor. Numerous celebrities are nixing appearances on ABC shows, refusing to cross picket lines. This week's tally: Tony Bennett, Adam Sandler, Whoopi Goldberg, Vice President Al Gore and trash-talk TV star Jerry Springer. California-based U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer even booted ABC's non-union crews from her Tuesday night victory party. Additionally, this week's "Monday Night Football" broadcast was minus its Frank Gifford pregame and Chris Berman halftime reports. No walkout by those two guys, the network just couldn't get its studio show up and running. The broadcasters in the booth vamped through the segment instead. More fallout: GMA has been forced to nix a planned road trip to Los Angeles next week. On the homefront, its anchors Lisa McRee and Kevin Newman tried to keep the peace, supplying picketers with coffee and donuts on Thursday, the Post says. Actor Danny Aiello also joined the cause, briefly walking the line with the techies, the newspaper says. * Cartoon by: Art Campbell Midwest Labor Media Producers' First Meeting By Peter Miller, co-host The Illinois Labor Hour On Saturday, November 17, fourteen labor media activists from four midwestern states gathered in Madison, Wisconsin to build a more unified labor media movement. Video and audio producers spent a day discussing the environments in which they produce their programs and choosing strategies to strengthen their efforts. The meeting was co-sponsored by the School for Workers, University of Wisconsin Extension, Continuing Education; Union Producers and Programmers Network (UPPNET); Labor Beat, (on cable-tv, Chicago, IL); Labor Express (WLUW-FM, Chicago); LaborVision (on cable-tv, St. Louis); The Illinois Labor Hour (WEFT-FM, Champaign, IL); University of Minnesota Telecommunication Project/Labor Education Services (on cable-tv, Minneapolis); WORT-FM (Madison, WI) Listener Sponsored Community Radio; Solidarity (on cable-tv, Kalamazoo, MI). With the labor movement's largest and most powerful organization dedicated to a conservative, Democratic Party-style media strategy which orients towards public relations and is non-inclusive of rank-and-file producers, activists such as the meeting attendees ensure that representative labor programs continue to be made in the United States. But since these individuals frequently undertake their efforts with little contact with others, participants found it useful to become familiar with each other's media projects. Attendees found that factors that affect everyone include funding, finding time for their programs, and how to relate to official labor structures. People reported that most programs are produced on a shoestring, funded either out of the producers' own pockets or on a few thousand dollars raised through the sale of video's each year. Likewise virtually nobody produces labor media for a living--of the attendees, only one labor educator and the group from Minnesota who receive their funding from the state budget are paid for their work. Relationships with official labor organizations exist on a variety of levels. Occasionally, over time doors can be opened by producing work unions find useful or favorable. Despite this difficult scenario, individuals still manage to keep their projects going. How to make the projects easier and stronger
was addressed next: What can we reasonably do to generate more money and
time? Individuals recounted unsuccessful efforts to work with the national
AFL-CIO, so it was concluded that the AFL-CIO probably would not provide
support for a Since many producers in the midwest cover the
same Also, since internet audio transfer is becoming more common, it was decided to consider placing programs on the web using the community radio service at www.Radio4all.org. To build union support for grassroots labor media, Randy Croce of "Minnesota at Work" agreed to compile a video showing how independent labor media has helped unions accomplish their goals, a project which could be used to build both moral and financial support. Finally, participants agreed to look for grants
to fund Peter Miller, co-host, The Illinois Labor Hour:
(217) Drawings by: Art Campbell 1998 Seoul SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, NOV. 23, 1998 - Thanks to the support from many organizations, trade unions, activists and voluntary supporters, the 2nd Seoul International Labor Film and Video Festival was successfully concluded. The festival took place in conjunction with the launch of the Korean Progressive Network and Korean LaborNet. It was held at the Seoul National University medical department, between 12-15, November, 1998, celebrating 10th anniversary of Labor News Production. There were many kinds of obstacles such as unofficial police and company intervention (because the festival refused the video censorship and all the contents of the events were political and progressive, the police pressured the university to cancel the events and entered the building to monitor the conference. Also some company managers came to see the videos and their workers came to monitor the activities as well. This was an unwelcomed audience...) At the same time, there was a lack of resources
for the conference and an almost total lack of publicity in mainstream
media. But despite these obstacles, there was tremendous
Although the location of screening was not a well-equipped theater and there were only 200 seats, over 3,000 people came to see the more than 25 programs. They symbolized great progress in the labor use of video and film. The audience was emotionally touched by many of the films and engaged in criticism after each program "This is great film!", "This is too official", "The use of internet in this program must be adopted for our activities", "It would not have been possible to record that event, if there had been no organized labor video making group in that trade union", etc. Also some of the characteristics of this festival
which other festival can't have were also clear. Many of the audience
were not the usual festival cinephiles but workers. Some subway worker
came in the daytime spending their vacation and some union members in
other regions came to Seoul only for this festival. And naturally, there
were many kinds of unofficial meetings between people with different backgrounds
such Also, there were unexpected special programs everyday such as additional special screening of the Kia videomaking group which took place because the worker who burnt himself came for the festival from the hospital for few hours. In short, with the ending of the second term, the structure and direction of the festival became clear. It can be summarized as follows: * Evaluation on the various kinds of labor use
of video and film in many different countries (TV series, animation, feature
length documentaries, promo video, * Strengthening the basis for the international solidarity through the showing of the struggle and life of the international working people (the image of recent struggles); * Empowering the rank and file videomaking groups through supporting their works, providing the space for screening of their works, and the space for the presentation and discussion for those activities (financial and institutional support by LNP to the groups); * Using the festival as an opportunity to make the solidarity between labor movements in different countries (Seminar on Japanese railway workers following the screening of the video, with pre-organizing the participation from Korean railway and subway workers). Based on these results, and in spite of many difficulties, LNP will host the 3rd festival next year in the middle of November, 1999. Also, LNP will propose to other labor organizations in Korea and different countries to co-organize another international event next year which can be called as LaborMedia 99 in Seoul to promote workers solidarity. We hope other activists can support this idea and make this happen with international solidarity action. Let's get one step further beyond LaborMedia 97! * A complete list of the videos, film and seminars
that were Labor News Production Remembering Last September we lost a pioneer in labor television.
Jerry Fargusson was a key figure in the video documentation of the historic
War Zone labor struggles in Central Illinois, and he finally succumbed
to a debilitating The Staley, Caterpillar and Bridgestone/Firestone
labor struggles in Decatur, Illinois in the middle of the 1990s created
a turning point for labor and also for labor video. Midwest cable-tv shows
such as LaborVision in St. Louis and Labor Beat in Chicago
were off and running by that time, and they made covering the War Zone
story their main LaborVision's "Deadly Corn" and "Struggle in the Heartland" (that's the one with the pepper-gassing) drew a lot from Jerry's footage, and Labor Beat's "Gathering Storm", "Showdown in Companytown", and "Our Kind of People" could not have been made without Jerry's camera. The mass labor protests at the Decatur City Hall...that was Jerry shooting. Footage of the historic trip to Bal Harbor and lobbying of Kirkland's AFL-CIO executive council by rank-and-file workers...that was Jerry's. These were extraordinary scenes in America labor history, which would otherwise be lost forever. Labor television owes Jerry a lot. And labor historians who may study the videos on the Illinois War Zone will see those times and scenes again through the eyes of Jerry Fargusson. Jerry is survived by his wife Ethel, a living legend as a working class warrior in her own right. When Ethel stood up and chewed out the Mayor's ass at a Decatur City Council meeting, Jerry recorded every delicious moment of it. We reprint below this article about Jerry from the War Zone Newsletter. * * * In the labor wars in Decatur, IL, many, many heroes would rise from the rank and file and remain vigilant as the war grew from days to weeks to years. Jerry Fargusson, quiet, humble and unassuming, was one of those heroes. Jerry and his wife Ethel, our computer operator, spent many long days at the "Campaign For Justice" office, cataloging donations, preparing and sorting massive amounts of mail, newsletters and responses to the thousands of supporters who embraced our struggle. It was Jerry's work that kept you informed of events as they unfolded, kept the huge amounts of mail coming and going, and provided a voice of reason to everyone around him during tumultuous times. Many times, Jerry would spend 16 to 20 hours a day working feverishly as the local's video photographer, filming meetings, rallies and marches, walking every step of the way. Often limping in excruciating pain, Jerry and his camera was ever present, capturing every moment of struggle, every moment of fellowship, and every moment of challenge. Many of Jerry's videos were used to make the films we produced to carry our struggle across America and around the world. Jerry spent thousands of hours editing videos, copying, mailing videos, and creating the huge banners many of you saw at marches and rallies. We wonder if he ever slept. His work and dedication was unparalleled.
How often we mourn the passing of royalty, revel in the glamour of the rich and famous, when real heroes pass through unaware. Jerry Fargusson's body was laid to rest Saturday Sept. 26th, at Mt. Gilead cemetery, just a short distance from the War Zone Foundation, and within feet of David Hays, road warrior and hero, and Jerry Frazier, the hero and locked-out veteran featured in the video, "Struggle in the Heartland." Jerry's spirit has entered another realm, of peace and joy. Jerry has claimed "the promise." We hope that each of you will take the time to send a card to his wife Ethel, share your thoughts in remembrance of the courageous life of Jerry Fargusson. Send your cards or letters to: Ethel Fargusson, 717 E. Whitmer, Decatur, IL 62521 * Photo: Steve Dalber
strike photo by: Daymon Hartley Tales from NABET 41's Website:
"You've got ScabMail!" Anonymous ScabMail Ladies and Gentlemen of NABET Local 41.... I think it's time to dispel some rumors and set the record straight. For our conversation(s), we will use the word "Members" to refer to Local 41 and will use the word "Crew 2" to refer to those who are working your jobs. I also want to tell you that I am one of the crew members downstairs, whether I am a tech or a cameraman is not important. I am going through this effort to talk to you like civil human beings... I would appreciate the same courtesy if you respond back. First, I want to tell you that there are some of us down in the basement that truly have empathy for you and your families... I have had the opportunity to review your website
with all the information you have submitted to your members In addition, you can call us anything you want...but we are more opportunists than anything. Yes, we have crossed the picket lines...BUT WE HAVE FAMILIES TOO!! Many Crew 2 members see an opportunity to show our skills to Channel 7 for possible employment or referral to other cities, many see $$$, a few just got laid off from other stations... You can make whatever offensive remarks you want
when we walk outside the building or drive out the garage doors....the
fact is that none of our people have quit because of your harassment.
Your swearing at us, name calling, You have to remember one thing....for every Nabet 41 member, there are 10 of us that want your job. For every stupid things such as slash tires, cut cables, make remarks, yell into the garage with a bullhorn, or have Mr. Timberlake act like a caveman when we go in and out of the garage...increases our odds. Should we talk about how many Local 41 members got their jobs during the last strike. Do you want their names?? ...Your members also thing that our security is uncessary [sic] and you make light of it...don't think we don't know how LA or NY is doing...pretty ugly wouldn't you agree?? You want the same thing here???... By the way, I think the van that is following us sometimes is really unnessary, [sic] but its used as a union intimitation [sic] tool... By the way, don't let the camcorder get wet as it tapes us coming and going. Also, some of our Crew takes offense to the poor photography as shown on your web link "Hall of Shame". See, we know whats [sic] going on too. I hope you share this letter with the members of Local 41. If you care to respond, I will be happy to share your civil comments with everyone if you wish. If not...I understand. -WLS Crew 2
Cartoon by: Art Campbell ...My name is Clif Brown, I have been a broadcast engineer at WLS-TV for 23 years. I am replying to your message directed to the members of Local 41. ...The security issue aside, if you felt absolutely no threat from us (I guarantee there is no threat from me) would you identify yourself as I have identified myself, giving your name? (no) You spoke only of us in your letter. Would you dare to openly say one word about the company if they treated you in some way you did not like? (no) You spoke of us making comments to you at the doors when you come and go. Are you free to speak your mind to us at those moments or do you think there might be repercussions? (no to the first, yes to the second) My point? You are not free in there. We are free out here and were so in there too. You are not at liberty to hold a conversation with us because you cannot do so without fear of how the company would react. They can terminate your employment with no cause given. Do you see the irony of your position? You have the physical protection of security people but you are not free to speak openly, held hostage by your fear of what the company that you so want to work for would do if you did speak out. This will be my first and last message to you because no dialog can take place between us. For all your talk of gaining experience inside and getting the money you want you are held captive and are not free to speak. Far more important, though, is that our parts have already been played out in history repeatedly. History, the marvelous teacher whose pupils are few. If you expect us to be understanding of your position you will be disappointed. I hope to show you why you are wrong by what follows, that if your course were generally followed it would mean the destruction of all the hard won gains for the working person that have taken place over many years going back long before NABET or even the CWA existed. I don't like the word scab. It's ugly. It deserves to be. I think if you fully understood the implications of what you are doing to yourselves you wouldn't be in there. I don't write in hatred or anger, simply frustration that you look at what is going on in such a simplistic way. To begin, let me quote the "Employment Information Sheet" dated 11/5/98 which, I understand, each of you must sign. It may be a phony document since it was not given to me by a company source but the statement made on it that you are expected to approve is undoubtedly an accurate description of your status: "I understand that I am a temporary employee at will and have no contract of employment with ABC, Inc. I further acknowledge that ABC has made no representations regarding employment for any length of time, and that ABC can terminate this temporary employment at any time with or without cause or notice." This paragraph should be held in mind and considered the constant theme for what follows. I want to introduce some ideas, present a little history and then return to it. You who are replacing us are dramatic proof of
two Some historical perspective: The boss calls a
worker in and says "I don't care if you don't like the 12 hour days.
There are many out there who would be glad to have your job. We expect
team spirit. How dare you say you are unhappy with working conditions?
These are the conditions that go with the job. If you don't like it here
then quit." What does a worker do then? He may work 12 hour days
or quit. When the boss decides that 13 hour days would be more profitable
for the company the worker is met with the same little speech if he objects.
Suppose the worker does quit and goes to company B. Company B says the
unemployed worker would be welcome but they also have established 13 hour
days because "we have to meet the Why do you think that unions came about? It was because the individual worker was powerless in restraining the demands of company owners. There was suffering and even death for many whose names are forgotten to history now...Are things that bad now? Of course not! Why is that? Might it have anything to do with unions? ABC has given you a statement to sign, that I quoted above. It tells you you have no contract. It tells you have no rights to employment except those it decides on from moment to moment and that you are to be terminated at the pleasure of the company without even a notice. You say many of you brought your own equipment? I am sure that is much appreciated! In fact, I think that might be a good thing to require of replacement workers. Surely there are many who have their own equipment so why not make that the standard for employment? Could the echo of history be any louder? So there are many workers and, by comparison,
few employers. Someone starting out might feel that he or she just has
to get into the field at any cost. If this person will settle for low
enough pay he just might do it. Why is it, do you think, that actors are
so poorly paid? Might it be because acting is "in the blood"
in the sense that an actor feels he or she must act to live, that being
on the stage is vital? Pay the actor poorly. No matter, because he or
she will still act. Put on a Without some counter to corporate power the worker is at the mercy of the employer. Do you see where you come into this picture? You are the many. You are the ones hungry for any exposure in broadcasting. Broadcasting has a glamorous reputation. We are in a video world and broadcasting has been THE home of video for decades. What kid doesn't thrill to the idea of going inside Channel 7 for a visit, let alone to work there! We live in a world of technology and what techie wouldn't drool over all the new digital stuff on the fifth floor at WLS-TV? Wow, look over there in the newsroom! That's really the guy we've seen on the ten o'clock news for years! TV is incredibly powerful in America. Everybody watches. Everybody wants to be in the TV business. So open the floodgates. Let the many come to work. Increase the number of daily hires. Let the benefits drop, let the pay go down, let the working hours go up, let the pension contributions decline. Attention! Actors wanted! Business exists for profit. Despite the silky language of corporate messages to employees, business does not exist to be nice to workers. Business does not exist to be fair or just. To increase income and decrease costs are all that counts. Mr. Eisner is beloved on Wall Street because he never lets this slip his mind... Who, then, stands for the worker? Is it just the worker for him or herself alone? Good luck! You who replace us in there now need no lectures on moving from job to job. Fun? Maybe when you are young. It gets old faster than you do. Look at the tiny carrot that you have gone for. They throw some coins on the floor with the promise of admission to the inner sanctum, the studios of ABC, then stand back and wait for the rush. Why should they give you more? You have no power, you have no union and you need money and work. It's a bad position for anyone to be in because it makes you an obedient slave. Do you see why we are organized and why you undermine the structure for all workers including yourselves? The saddest thing to me is when I stand at the door to the station and ask people not to go in. I get "I have to" or "I don't have any choice" or simply "but I have to deliver this". Here we are all supposedly creatures of free will and what do we do for our whole lives long but run after little green pieces of paper, no more than dogs lunging for biscuits. Sitting over us are those who train us to jump at their command by withholding or granting the biscuits. Who knows the meaning of freedom and real choice?... There are thousands of workers out there that I address with the bullhorn, members of the public I am trying to reach with our message. They come up to me and talk. They look me in the eye with the most earnest expressions and say "I'm with you! Good luck!". This happens continually. The average worker knows exactly what I am talking about when I speak of daily hires and contribution cuts to pension funds. You may react with surprise to this but if you were to continue to work under the conditions you do for an extended period of time you would be saying "we want a union!"... This has been a long message but I hope you know now why we will be outside to greet you as you come and go from the building. Today, and tomorrow. This week and next week. This month and next month if need be. However long this lasts, however long you are here, we will be too. I am making no threats to your physical safety but simply assuring you that we have time right now, plenty of it, and we will not let you forget just exactly what it is you are doing. You say our opposition to what you are doing is creating solidarity. Maybe we seem powerful to you. It would not be surprising because you have none at all to exert even on your own behalf. Let the company know that some of you are thinking of getting a group together to represent your interests and see the result. We, on the other hand are up against big power: the might of Disney/ABC. What is solidarity institutionalized? A union! Let the company know that some of you are thinking of getting a group together to represent your interests and see the result. I'll repeat one thing for emphasis because everyone
in the company and out of it should always keep it in mind: we in the
union are hurting for income, you are hurting as you writhe under the
microscope of our scrutiny and the knowledge that, twist logic as you
will, you are scabs. The people inside who are our longtime friends are
hurting from demands being made on them to do jobs they don't want to
do, taking the time away from their families that they do not want to
take. Disney and ABC are willing to use us all. They are Your letter indicated to me that you have no conception of the import of what you are doing. Think! Do you really want to turn back the clock on all workers, yourselves included? One last note, this is a lockout you are supporting, not a strike as you call it in your message to us. Clif Brown, for the membership of NABET local 41 who represent hundreds of man (and woman)-years of broadcast experience, rewarded with 5 weeks on the street and counting. * Visit NABET 41webiste at: http://nabet41.org/home.html Madison Labor By Frank Emspak The Madison Labor Radio Network produces Madison
Labor Radio. Our program is broadcast from 5:30-6:00 p.m., every Friday.
We focus on local labor issues. The organization of the program is designed
to accomplish several interrelated We also produce specific segments on issues of importance. For example, we do segments on labor law, taxes, health and safety, and workers' rights. These segments are more in line with the traditional use of radio by labor educators. We see the program as building solidarity between local unions and workers within Madison and also on a broader scale. We have conducted live interviews with workers from Caterpillar; run a regular segment where people from the Grey Panthers as well as younger workers, mostly unorganized, speak about their work experiences; and have broadcast a live interview from Paris during the massive French strikes. Our program is sponsored by The School for Workers,( a department in the University of Wisconsin Extension) The South Central Federation of Labor, Madison Teachers Inc., and the Capital Area Uniserve South (the WEAC/NEA regional organization) sponsor our program. Our Madison Labor Radio has now been on the air for one year. I would like to share with UPPNET some of my own observations. My views do not necessarily reflect the views of all the other members of our collective. The one thing that has allowed us to produce during the course of the year has been the existence of a stable collective of people. We meet once a week--generally for about 45 minutes and outline the program for the upcoming Friday. That group of people has included a representative of the South Central Federation of Labor along with myself, Ellen LaLuzerne, a staff member of the Capital Area Uniserve South and Norm Stockwell, the WORT station manager. Most of the time the volunteer reporters also attend. Our objective next year is to encourage more frequent attendance from the reporters. Our stories improve when the reporters have a chance to discuss their assignments and get a better idea about how the whole program fits together. We have experienced difficulties as well. My sense is that our challenges are faced by other labor based media efforts. We have found it very difficult to get sustained involvement from local elected officers. It isn't so much that individuals are calling other media and ignoring us. In general labor calls no one. We find that even after a year of weekly programs (and several years of bi-weekly programs) that we still must call local leadership and ask for information, stories, and issues of importance. This is disappointing to us. On the other hand we are called more often than in the past. . Financial support in the form of pledges and mention of the program in local union newspapers is increasing. We also have an ongoing dialogue with local activists and elected leadership as to what might constitute media outreach and education. Many local unions have agreed with management to keep contract negotiations private saying that they will not negotiate in the media. In reality a news blackout strategy excludes the public from understanding the issues and thus being of assistance to the union. A news blackout may also exclude the union membership as well. The existence of Madison Labor Radio is
thus one small contribution to the ongoing efforts to increase meaningful
democracy within the trade union movement. By inviting the membership
to be informed of the issues we enable increased involvement in the process.
By inviting the public to be informed about ongoing negotiations, especially
the deeper causes for conflicts, we (hopefully) increase the ability of
organized labor to form coalitions with concerned citizens. As efforts
to In general our collective is optimistic about our ability to grow. We think that efforts to establish closer cooperation with other Midwest labor media projects is an important step for us. Frank Emspak, School for Workers, 610 Langdon St, Madison WI 53703; (608) 262-0680 fax: (608) 265-2391, E-mail: emspak@workers.uwex.edu * (Parts of this article appeared in Radical History Review, Fall '98) |
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on "Regis & Kathie Lee" A Bum Mike 
As
the struggle waned, and the betrayal by the UPIU grew imminent, Jerry
never lost hope, never gave up. In the campaign office Jerry was a constant
source of encouragement, soft spoken and genuine, there was not one of
us who was not touched by his kindness and strength. 
