Union Projectionists Picket Alameda Theatre Again

The return of James Bond to the Alameda Theatre also brought back a picket line from the projectionists union, I.A.T.S.E. Local 169.

The appearance at the Alameda Theatre of the new James Bond film “Quantum of Solace” and the expected crowds it would draw seemed to Local 169 like a good time set up pickets again and hand out flyers to movie-goers. We reported in July that theatre operator Kyle Conner, of Alameda Entertainment Associates had begun discussions with the union to bring professional, union-trained projectionists into the screening rooms. But, as one picketer, who declined to give his name said, “I think he was just shining us on.” Alameda Entertainment Associates leases the theatre from the City of Alameda, which spent tens of millions of dollars of taxpayer “redevelopment” money to restore the theatre, and build the attached cineplex and parking garage.

We spoke to Reem Tatar, who was dining next door to the theatre at Burgermeister, about the controversy. Ms. Tatar said “It doesn’t make any sense…that the City has funded this theatre…but they are not hiring union workers.”