June 20, 2005On July 19, 2005, DGA National Executive Director Jay D. Roth gave the keynote address at the IATSE Convention in Hawaii. He spoke about the history of both unions and how their relationship had strengthened over the past 10 years due to recognition by the leadership of both sides that coordination, communication and solidarity were becoming integral to union survival. An example of that unity came when the DGA and IATSE stood together to support domestic production legislation, which ultimately led to the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. Roth looked forward to future successful collaborations on several fronts including negotiations with management, dealing with shifting marketplaces caused by technological advances, and fighting piracy. “In my tenure as Executive Director of the DGA, I have learned that there are no quick fixes and easy solutions when it comes to future planning. And the issues we face are challenging and complex,” said Roth in closing. “But one thing we can be confident about is that our two great organizations will make every effort to work together on the challenges that lie ahead. We will prepare for change and be open to experiment, without compromising what we stand for — and there is little doubt that our unity will enable us to weather the trials yet to come.”
