Miranda Cristofani
for
Associate National Executive Director
of
Local 800
Core Values
To make our union stronger and more effective, we must ensure it operates in a way that is transparent, democratic, inclusive, accountable and honest. Here’s how we ensure these values are at the heart of everything we do:
Transparency
Clear Communication
Regular updates and open lines of communication between union leadership, IATSE and the members. Everyone deserves to know what's happening and how decisions are made.
Accessible Information
All key union documents (negotiations, financials, decisions) will be made available to members in real-time and at meetings.
Transparent Negotiations
Negotiation updates will be shared regularly so that members are informed throughout the entire process.
Membership Meetings
Membership meetings where leadership provides detailed reports on union activity, negotiations, and strategic goals and where members have a voice and can make public comment.
Democracy
Member-Driven Decisions
Encourage and facilitate member participation in decision-making processes and ensure that members conduct business in the Board, Councils and Committees with democratic structures in place like voting. Major decisions, including negotiations and initiatives, should be subject to member voting, not just top-down leadership.
Delegate System
Expand the role of elected delegates to ensure that every region and every member has a voice in union activities and decision-making. Encourage Delegates to attend Board and Council meetings.
Open Elections
Ensure all leadership positions, including Council representatives and Board members, are elected by the membership with a clear, transparent voting processes.
Member Forums & Feedback
Regularly host open forums and surveys where members can share their opinions, feedback, and ideas. All input will be seriously considered in shaping the union’s direction.
Inclusivity
Representation of All Members
Ensure that all members, regardless of job title, seniority, craft or background, have a voice and are represented fairly. The world of our industry is diverse, and so should our union leadership be.
Addressing Barriers
Work to eliminate any barriers that may prevent full participation, especially for marginalized groups, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ members, and younger workers.
Member Engagement
Foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and empowered to get involved. This includes outreach to underrepresented members and ongoing educational opportunities for new members.
Access to Union Resources
Ensure that all members have equal access to union resources, including training programs, health benefits, and networking opportunities.
Accountability
Leadership Accountability
Union leaders must be accountable to the members. Implement regular reviews of leaderships actions, and ensure leaders are answerable to the membership for their actions and decisions.
Financial Oversight
Ensure all union financial matters are fully transparent and subject to regular audits, with clear explanations provided to members about how funds are being used.
Member-driven Action
Hold leadership accountable by empowering members to hold votes of no confidence or recall leaders who do not represent their interests effectively.
Complaint & Resolution System
Establish a clear and transparent process for handling member complaints and grievances, ensuring that every member has the opportunity to have their issue addressed fairly and promptly
Honesty
Truthful Communication
Commit to always telling the truth, even when the truth is difficult or uncomfortable. Leadership must be open about challenges, setbacks, and successes, so that the membership is never misled or kept in the dark.
Honest Representation
Leadership should represent the interests of the members honestly, without distortion or manipulation. All actions, including negotiation tactics and financial decisions, will be grounded in the truth of what is best for the membership.
Transparent Motives
Leadership will be clear about their motivations and any conflicts of interest that may arise. There will be no hidden agendas or decisions made behind closed doors.
Accountability in Honesty
Leaders and members alike must hold themselves accountable to the truth. If mistakes are made, they will be acknowledged openly, and we will work together to address them.