A Positive Vision for Local 695

A Message to the Members

Dear Members of IATSE Local 695,

I’m proud to ask for your vote for Business Representative. I’ve been an IATSE member since 1988, and for the past 12 years I’ve had the privilege of serving as Local 695’s Assistant Business Representative, working side by side with Scott Bernard. That experience has prepared me to take on this office’s responsibilities from day one.

I was honored to be nominated by Scott Bernard and to have his endorsement, along with the support of Local 695 Treasurer Phillip Palmer, Jaime Gambell and Devendra Cleary. Scott’s confidence in me means a great deal, and I’m grateful to everyone who has trusted me to serve as your next Business Representative.

Over those 12 years, I’ve negotiated on behalf of our Local or served on negotiating committees for the IATSE Basic Agreement, the Commercial Agreement, the KTLA Agreement, the Fox Sports Agreement, the PPI Agreement, the Videotape Agreement, and many others. I’ve also built working relationships with the major studios and producers. When an issue comes up, I know who to call, and I understand the agreements we rely on to protect our members and our work.

Some of my most important conversations have happened on set. I’ve spent the past 12 years visiting members where they work, listening to what they’re dealing with and seeing firsthand how our agreements play out during a workday. Those conversations shape the way I represent you, both when a problem comes up on a production and when we sit down to bargain the next contract.

As Scott steps down, I’m ready to carry that work forward. I know the office’s day-to-day responsibilities, the people we work with across the industry, and the concerns members bring to us. If elected, I’ll keep showing up on set, communicate openly with the membership, and work with the Board of Directors to defend our craft and make decisions that put members first.

Every member deserves respect. Every concern deserves to be heard. I’ve tried to live up to those commitments as your Assistant Business Representative, and I respectfully ask for your vote and the opportunity to continue serving you as your Business Representative.

In solidarity,

Joe Aredas