Rep. Skindell urges the Cleveland International Film Festival to negotiate in good faith with IATSE Local 160
COLUMBUS–State Rep. Michael J. Skindell (D-Lakewood) and the Cuyahoga County state legislative delegation sent a letter to the Cleveland International Film Festival and Playhouse Square urging them to return to negotiations and come to an agreement to utilize the union workers of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 160 in this year’s festival. The Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) had refused to negotiate with IATSE Local 160, notifying them that they would not be utilizing unionized workers to operate the projection equipment in the upcoming 2022 festival.
“The union projectionists of Local 160 are professionals in their trade and should have the opportunity to work at the 2022 Cleveland International Film Festival being held at Playhouse Square,” said Rep. Skindell. “I believe the community of Cleveland recognizes the importance of unionized labor and the vital aspects it plays in society, and that is why I stand in support with IATSE Local 160.”
***EDITOR’S NOTE: Letter to the Cleveland International Film Festival attached above.