Sisters, Brothers, Kin, & Allies —  

Happy New Year to you and yours! We believe a key part of being an active union member

or ally is staying informed. To that end, the IATSE Communications Department is launching

a new weekly newsletter to keep you informed on all things IA.

Sign up to be the first to know about the latest organizing news, member stories,

and committee updates sent straight to your email inbox every Thursday. Click here to subscribe!

In solidarity,

Dear Brothers & Sisters,
It is with a deep sense of sadness and regret that I must report to everyone the passing of brother Tillman Copeland, the morning of December 28, 2020, after a battle of cancer. Brother Copeland worked throughout our industry for many years and was loved and respected by all who had the pleasure of working alongside him. Brother Copeland was an amazing forklift operator, CDL driver, flyman, stagehand and brother whose personality was unmatched by any brother or sister. His professionalism and strong union beliefs will always be remembered by all brothers and sisters of Local 46 forever. Tillman was initiated into Local 46 on August 8, 1992 and will be greatly missed by family and friends alike. The thought of not working beside him on the dock or being his “walker” on large pieces of equipment hurts my heart tremendously. So many of us will never forget you Tillman, and the knowledge you passed on to us because we are only stronger and better as a team. Once arrangements are provided, we will let all of you know. Please place Debbie and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace brother Copeland, you were an amazing friend and brother who will never be forgotten by all of us who knew you.

In Solidarity,
Daniel Fly
Secretary Treasurer
I.A.T.S.E. Local 46

Sisters, Brothers, Kin —

We share in the heartbreak, frustration and anger surrounding

the tragic murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police. We stand in

solidarity with the African-American community as together

we grieve yet another lawless, racist killing in our country.

The principle that all people are equal and all people are deserving of

respect and fair treatment is a cornerstone of the labor movement. As a

labor union that represents Black members and people of color of all ethnicities,

 we have an ethical duty to do everything we can to root out racism in our

communities, our homes, and our workplaces, once and for all.

While we are distraught, shaken and angered by the death of George Floyd, we

must all join in the conversation for advocacy, effective change, fairness and

justice for the African American community. We cannot sit and stay silent as

people mourn yet another member of our community, and only the memory of

 the name be followed by the hashtag #ICantBreathe.

We must and will apply pressure across the board for systematic change to value

 Black lives through full and unified equal protection under the law, public health,

medical care, education, housing, business development, and economic change and

equality. We are prepared to advocate for specific, necessary policy and legislation,

 and we stand ready to lock arms with allies who are primarily focused on racial

justice and reform.

Although buildings are burning, a life has been taken, and we cannot lose sight

of the countless times our brothers and sisters of the African-American community

 have been robbed of their lives by acts of injustice, racism and bigotry. Still, we

denounce violence and the destruction of property perpetrated by opportunists

 who seek to take advantage of this painful moment for personal gains.

Additionally, it is absolutely unacceptable for the police to target reporters and

their crews with violence or arrest for doing their constitutionally protected jobs.

As people of conscience, it is each individual’s duty to keep the momentum

of the moment to evoke change by educating ourselves on the issues, speaking

to our local politicians, and getting involved with local social justice chapters.

 Together, we must continue to peacefully protest for change, protest for

 justice, protest for inclusivity, and protest for equality.

In solidarity,
IATSE Communications