Local 784 has had a long tradition with education. In the late 1970’s the leadership realized the importance of a trained workforce and created the theatrical apprentice program. Its curriculum included on-the-job-skills as well as health and safety and unionism. The tradition of this program has carried through into the 21st century but our industry and workforce have dramatically changed. That is why, in late 2008, the Executive Board approved to establish a Training Fund that would help move Local 784 into the new century with its same reputation of a highly skilled workforce. It was determined that it should be an employer funded plan with contributions negotiated in all of contracts at the rate of .5%. Following the model of Local 16’s Training Fund, our Fund would have a Board comprised of two employer and two union trustees and one administrator. It was the administrators immediately responsibility to legally set up the Fund with the IRS, establish bank accounts and have the legal documents drawn up. The latter of which depended upon having employer trustees. In order to be a trustee, the employer must be a contributor to the Fund. The Local had an incredible opportunity in 2009 to negotiate our new Training Fund as we were actively turning our rate sheet into contracts and six of our major contracts were up for negotiation. The support from the employers has been very positive. We now have Training Fund contributions coming from over ten employers with San Francisco Ballet being added July 1, 2010. At first, the contributions seemed to trickle in, but the Fund now has a solid foundation by which to start its work. And the search for employer trustees is just about wrapped up.

It will be the trustees (both union and employer’s) responsibility to determine the direction the Local should take with the Fund. They will first need to take into account how our industry has changed and what the members need to maximize their work potential. The next step will be to work with the administrator in creating a budget and understanding what kind of resources are available. From there the Trustees will be able to create a training program that will support and motivate our workers to take their skills to the next level. It will be very important to make sure we provide the training to help our members have work year-round – regardless if it is theatrical, motion picture, commercial or even new media.

In the months to come, members will get reports at the General Membership Meetings as to who our trustees are, when they will meet and how the Training Fund is shaping up. Changes have already started in the office to help facilitate increased professional support for the membership. After Januarys’ office clean-up, an educational corner has been set up complete with working computer and internet. Members are welcome to come in and learn how to do (computerized) payroll, watch educational DVDs from other Locals or check out books from our growing Labor Library.

The future of this endeavor is not only extremely positive, but also well supported with the direction of the International. There are currently over 300 locals who have training programs, some as far reaching to include pre-apprentice training. And in support of the officers who represent the leadership of their locals, the International has established the Leadership Education Assistance Program. Officers may take one class a year at a credited educational institution and the International will cover the expenses. Already our Local has taken advantage of this great program. Furthermore, as of the 2010 Mid-Winter General Executive Board meeting, the International has launched a Training Committee (Local 16’s own Eddie Raymond is one of five committee members). Education has long been encouraged by organized labor and Local 784 recognizes the importance of supporting job training. Moving into the 21st century, our members will have the potential to adapt and embrace the changing workforce while leading to better labor-management relations and employment security.