Labor Issues

* I wish to object strenuously to your Oct. 15 editorial about labor not being a trade issue. I work in the motion picture industry. Since February of last year I have worked a total of 350 hours. Not enough to cover my hospitalization insurance or vest me for this year or last. So not only have I lost two years toward my retirement, but I had to pay for my insurance for the last six months, about $2,000.

I can attribute this almost entirely to “runaway production,” mostly to Canada. Many thousands of my brethren are losing their homes and families to this insidious attack on our livelihoods from abroad. We are making every effort to reshape ourselves to regain our former stature in this industry. What we need is your help, not verbal assaults on us as though we and our problems do not exist.

KEN SHER

Prop Maker, Special Effects

Local 44, IATSE

Playa del Rey