Theatre Operator Begins Union Talks

At roughly 11:30am today, members of I.A.T.S.E. Local 169 prepared to picket the Alameda Theatre to pressure the theatre operator, Kyle Conner, to hire union projectionists. Currently, non-union employees of the theatre operate the projection room equipment. Action Alameda has reported previously on this issue.

However, this time, Mr. Conner came outside and invited Local 169 Business Agent Jason Mottley inside for discussions, if the assembled union members would put down their signs. The conversation lasted about 30 minutes, and when Mr. Mottley returned, he indicated that he and Mr. Conner have begun negotiations, and would continue them on Monday. Mr. Mottley said it was too soon to celebrate as there were significant discussions ahead, but that they were calling off the morning picket and canceling a scheduled evening picket in front of the theatre.