Stagehands serving the PNW
PBigman
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Job opening: Staff Scenic Carpenter, ACT
Dec 27th
A Contemporary Theatre
Kreielsheimer Place
700 Union Street, Seattle, WA 98101
ACT THEATRE
JOB OPENING: Staff Scenic Carpenter
Department: Production
Reports to: Technical Management/Master Scenic Carpenter
Classification: Full-time Seasonal
Starting Date: January 2012
The Staff Scenic Carpenter will construct scenery in accordance with plans provided by technical management; scenery construction includes carpentry, welding, work with plastics, fabrics or other materials.
Key Responsibilities:
• Fabricate or modify scenic elements as necessary for theatrical productions.
• Installation of stationary, automated, and flying scenery, as directed by supervisors.
• Maintenance and strike of scenery, as directed by supervisors.
• Work on offstage areas: may include special railings, seat installation or removal, modification of voms and crossovers, building improvements, etc.
• Assist other departments as time and production needs require.
• Assist other departments in moving large equipment or other specialized work.
• Carry out other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by direct supervisor or technical management.
Minimum Requirements: Two years professional experience.
Skills Required:
• Broad knowledge of metalworking, carpentry, tools, rigging and theatre products.
• Ability to work as a team member and maintain a safe, positive attitude in times of stress (such as load-in and tech).
• Ability to lift, push or maneuver up to 70 lbs. repeatedly, either alone or with assistance from others.
• Climbing ladders and working in high places.
Computer Skills Utilized: None necessary.
This job posting will close January 20, 2012. Please email résumé and references to: sceniccarpenter@acttheatre.org Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. No phone calls please.
NY Times article on IATSE International benefit fund
Nov 28th
November 27, 2011
Hollywood Labor Fight Looms as Money for Benefits Wanes
By MICHAEL CIEPLY
LOS ANGELES — Bitter disputes over health and pension payments to union members have created plenty of drama in states and cities this year. But do not look for a movie about it — Hollywood will be too busy dealing with a labor crisis of its own.
After three relatively peaceful years, the entertainment industry is bracing for a showdown next spring. At issue is an enormous projected shortfall in financing for some of the most jealously guarded perks in show business, the heavily gilded health and pension plans.
No one is talking of a strike yet. In fact, no one with official standing is talking publicly. Leaders of the industry’s craft and blue-collar unions and officials of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the studios and other production companies, have all declined to discuss what will happen when several contracts expire July 31.
But in town hall meetings over the last two months, union leaders have told members that weak industry economics, a tough investment climate and, above all, sharp increases in health care outlays are expected to create a $500 million shortfall by 2015.
“We’re going to be asking for money, lots of it,” Matthew Loeb, the president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (I.A.T.S.E.), told a gathering at the union’s Local 80 here in late September. His union represents about 50,000 set designers, makeup artists, grips and other film workers.
To put things in perspective, the contract that in 2008 settled a three-month strike by Hollywood’s writers was estimated to include total pay and benefits increases of less than a third that amount over three years. A subsequent, hard-fought three-year deal with the Screen Actors Guild, with about 120,000 members, cost the companies only about $250 million. One person involved with the pension and health plans, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the delicacy of the situation, called the looming half-billion dollar shortfall “staggering.”
The workers represented under the stage employees’ contracts have been known more for making deals than picking fights. In years past, the union might have been at the bargaining table a year before the contract deadline; this time talks may not start until spring. The last full-blown craft strikes occurred more than a half-century ago, and involved a different configuration of unions; Hollywood’s Teamsters, the other major union headed for a 2012 showdown, have not staged a major strike since 1988.
But the current situation is volatile, partly because the Teamsters and some allied unions who share health and pension plans with I.A.T.S.E. aligned the expiration of their contracts with those of the larger theatrical workers alliance by shortening their last contract cycle to two years.
This time, those unions are expected to bargain jointly on health and pension issues. A walkout would instantly stop film and television production in the Los Angeles area, and would affect production in New York and elsewhere, because editors, camera crews and some others are represented on a national basis.
Hollywood’s guilds largely resolved their health and pension problems, at least for now, in several agreements over the last year or two. But the craft workers and other film laborers got caught in a whipsaw that involved the financial markets, changes to federal health care law, and some features that are peculiar to the financing and benefit structure of their plans.
In some ways, Hollywood’s blue-collar health plans are more generous than those covering actors, writers and directors, who are usually regarded as being higher in the pecking order.
At the gathering in September at Local 80, John Garner, a health care consultant with Levey, Garner & Isaacs, told I.A.T.S.E. members their plans matched or exceeded those of the guilds and others in deductibles, office visit co-pays, member contributions and other measures.
One chart showed that entertainment industry workers pay just $300 as a median per person deductible for services from a preferred provider group. But those in the plan covering craft workers and Teamsters pay no deductible for the same services.
Such generous coverage has come at a cost. The craft workers contribute their residuals payments from the rebroadcast of films on television and elsewhere to their benefits plans, while guild members typically receive the residuals as cash. At the same time, the blue-collar workers for years have been draining an enormous cash reserve in their own plans — once enough to finance 30 months of benefits — to meet outlays that have increased as the population has aged and more sophisticated medicine has raised costs.
But what advisers had said was a surplus in the reserve is almost spent. Investments never quite recovered from the market collapse of 2008. Hollywood’s residuals payments flattened as the DVD boom ended. Meanwhile, federal health care legislation required plans to cover children to the age of 26, and eliminated lifetime coverage maximums.
It added up to what David Wescoe, the executive administrative director for the health and pension plans for the craft and blue-collar unions, told union members was “a very dicey picture for the next three-year cycle.”
Speaking at Local 80, he put the pension financing shortage at $190 million. Increased health expenses, he said, would require an additional $180 million to stay even with current benefits. About $75 million would be needed to keep the reserves at a safe level of six to eight months. And falling contributions, if industry economics remain soft, will also hurt.
To some extent, the size of the shortfall may be affected by the decisions of the Supreme Court, which will hear oral arguments on a challenge to the federal health care plan in March. “It’s in their hands,” read the legend of a photo of the justices in Mr. Wescoe’s presentation in September.
But even if the court were to overturn the new law, something must give when the companies and unions meet. “To leave it the way it is today, we need half a billion dollars,” Mr. Loeb said.
Important actions to demand Jobs, Not Cuts
Nov 16th
The 1% are striking back. In the past couple of weeks we’ve seen an armed assault by policy on Occupy Oakland, eviction of Occupy Portland, an attempt to eliminate Occupy Wall Street and pepper-spraying of Occupy Seattle. I think this is a tribute to the persistence of the Occupy movement, but also to the degree to which the Occupy message is resonating with the American people: we ARE the 99%. And the efforts to end the “occupations” isn’t demoralizing the movement. Just yesterday, the campaign to recall anti-labor Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker began – with 10,000 recall petitions downloaded the first day.
This week is a national week of action to demand JOBS, NOT CUTS. In Martin Luther King County alone, we have 45 bridges deemed “structurally deficient,” and 349 more classified as “functionally obsolete.” Our State’s public schools need $6.1 billion in repairs. Over 800,000 people in Washington lack access to affordable healthcare. With unemployment in the building trades running close to 40%, we could create up to 30,000 construction jobs with a general obligation bond in the spring. But politicians in DC and Olympia, doing the work for the 1%, give us wars, corporate welfare and spending cuts.
Join with labor, Occupy Seattle and community allies:
Thursday, November 17th
3:30 pm
Plaza at Montlake Blvd NE & NE Pacific Street, across from Husky Stadium
March to University Bridge at 4:30
sponsored by Martin Luther King Jr. County Labor Council AFL-CIO, Working America and many others, including active support from the AFL-CIO and the Washington State Labor Council
Friday, November 18th
3:00 pm
Western Washington Performing Arts Center, Bellingham (with Occupy Bellingham)
March to Rep. Rick Larsen’s office
Saturday, November 19th
12:00 n
Westlake Plaza (with Occupy Seattle)
March to Sen. Patty Murray’s office
Sen. Murray is Co-Chair of the “Super Committee” – let’s tell both Sen. Murray and Rep. Larsen:
* Hands off Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid – no cuts to education and social services
* We need jobs, not cuts – fund a federal public works program to create millions of jobs for the unemployed
* Make big business pay – we need major tax hikes for the 1% super-rich and coroporations
* End the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan – slash Pentagon spending
The Friday and Saturday actions are part of a national Jobs Not Cuts week of actions; for more information, for more information, please see www.jobsnotcutsprotest.org. Local cosponsors include Occupy Seattle, Occupy Bellingham, Occupy Olympia, Seattle Education Association, American Federation of Government Employees 3937, Amalgamated Transit Union 587, Wash/Tech Communications Workers of America 37087, Whatcom Peace & Justice Center, Olympia Movement for Peace & Justice and Olympia for a Fair Budget.
Intiman Theatre Outlines New Model for Comeback in 2012
Nov 14th
Intiman Theatre Outlines New Model for Comeback in 2012
2011 Subscribers Offered Complimentary Tickets
Intiman Theatre today announced plans to relaunch the theatre in 2012 for its 40th season. Artistic Director Andrew Russell will lead Intiman in producing a four-play summer festival season curated from the ideas of a collective of local artists and performed by a repertory company of 12 local actors. Additionally, Intiman Theatre’s Board of Trustees has outlined steps to ensure continued operation in the theater space at Seattle Center; an operating budget of one million dollars for the 2012 season; a collaboration with local artists and organizations; and a fundraising plan to make this vision a reality.
“During months of engaging artists and audiences on the subject of Intiman’s future, one point echoed loud and clear: we must try something new. If we’re going to commit to a significant amount of work, not to mention fundraising, Intiman must be fresh, forward thinking, different and worthy of a relaunch,” said Andrew Russell, Artistic Director of Intiman Theatre.
ARTISTIC VISION
“The collective represents Intiman’s commitment to local artists interested in challenging and groundbreaking work that will resonate in and outside of Seattle,” said Russell. The collective includes a multi-disciplinary group of talented directors, actors, writers, choreographers, activists, organizations and musicians. These artists include:
- Donald Byrd (choreographer, director)
- Valerie Curtis-Newton (director, educator)
- Sheila Daniels (director)
- Nick Garrison (actor)
- Jose Gonzales (actor, musician)
- Yussef el Guindi (playwright)
- Marya Sea Kaminski (actor, writer, educator)
- Etta Lillienthal and Ben Zamora (visual and performance design team)
- Ludovic Morlot (conductor, music director)
- Allison Narver (director)
- Michael Place (actor, director, producer)
- Queer Teen Ensemble Theatre (local theatre program for LGBTQ youth)
- Dan Savage (director, writer, activist)
- Tommy Smith (playwright)
- Olivier Wevers (choreographer)
- Richard E.T. White (director, educator)
- Robertson Witmer and the band “Awesome” (sound designer, band)
- Jen Zeyl (designer)
This collective is unified by its commitment to five core values central to Intiman’s artistic vision as we move forward:
- Cultural diversity in artists and audience.
- Local artists addressing global concerns.
- Cross-pollination of the performance arts.
- Provocative and inventive storytelling.
- Cultivating an artistic home for artists, using the institution to support the artist.
The four plays selected by this collective for production in 2012 will provide a mix of classic work done with a twist, world premieres that are challenging, epic and thoughtprovoking, multi-disciplinary work incorporating dance, music and theatre, and work that connects the local with the global. Productions will also be designed to take advantage of the theater’s unique space at Seattle Center, including the studio space and courtyard areas.
Shows under consideration for the 2012 summer festival include:
- a vibrant production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, adapted to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict directed by Allison Narver;
- Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, which bursts open in dance, directed by Andrew Russell and choreographed by Olivier Wevers, starring Marya Sea Kamanski;
- a new outlandish production conceived by Dan Savage; and,
- Valerie Curtis-Newton directing a play in two acts split between the studio theater
and courtyard.
The plays will be performed in repertory by 12 local actors. Artistically, this is challenging and fulfilling for performers, and benefits the theatre community at large as it allows the acting company to deepen their craft. For audiences, the repertory company means the pleasure of returning to see diverse performances from the same artist and an investment in the development of individual artists. “What a treat it will be for our audiences to see some of Seattle’s best performers tackle back-to-back everything from Shakespeare to new-work,” said Russell.
“The trustees are proud to champion the work of these artists in this unique programming model,” said President of the Board of Trustees Terry Jones. By launching a theatre-festival curated from the impulses of local artists, performed by a repertory company, in a model that is sustainable and flexible, Intiman intends to break new ground while honoring its 40-year history.
After much discussion and deliberation, the Board of Trustees chose Andrew Russell to lead the relaunching of Intiman under this new model. “We are excited by Andrew’s vision, are confident in his capacity to deliver on it, and believe in the board’s capacity to work with him effectively to achieve the maximum intersection of artistic excellence and financial viability.”
Another element of artistic vibrancy of the new Intiman model is collaboration with Cornish College of the Arts. In 2012, Intiman Theatre will work with Cornish to provide internship and other educational service opportunities to enrich the local arts community and provide expanded opportunities for local artists to learn or teach their crafts.
MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT
To deliver this new artistic model, along with Andrew Russell’s artistic leadership, the board of trustees has restructured the management of the theatre from financial controls to governance and oversight. There is a strong commitment to ensuring that the operational side of the theatre is managed with discipline and transparency. The Board will implement a new strategic business plan; operate with increased financial controls and oversight; and collaborate with other leading arts organizations and artists.
As a part of this shift from plan development to program implementation, the Board of Trustees elected Terry Jones as its new president. With a strong operational and financial background, Jones is ideally suited for the implementation phase of the new Intiman. Jones follows Bruce Bradburn who saw the board through the development of this new strategic business plan.
“In the past six months, we listened to artists, audiences and donors; reconciled and audited our books; implemented financial controls; made payments to reduce our debt; explored artistic and business options; reached out to potential collaborators; and worked with consultants to identify our path forward,” Jones said.
“We recognize that the buck stops here, and we sincerely apologize that Intiman’s business side went so off course,” said Jones. “We are correcting our course. The Board of Trustees is committed to stewardship and smart leveraging of Intiman’s resources to support and realize this exciting artistic vision for the benefit of the community.”
In the 2012 plan, Intiman Theatre is acting in response to what it has heard from artists, audience members, subscribers, patrons and the public at-large and developed in analysis of non-profit theater models, artistic visions, needs, financial resources, and opportunities. The new Intiman is:
- Not spending money we don’t have. Intiman will not produce a single 2012 show until we raise or obtain pledges for 2012 contributions sufficient to cover all 2012 expenses. When we reach our goal, we will collect on pledges and release escrowed funds.
- Honoring 2011 subscribers with complimentary tickets to our 2012 season. We intend to offer our season subscribers, on whom we closed our doors, complimentary tickets. “We owe our subscribers this, and we owe them the opportunity to see what a revitalized Intiman can be,” said Jones. “We hope this will -4- excite them enough that they will come back to support us in future years.”
- Empowering and enriching local arts through increased collaborations. The collective and repertory company and the educational collaboration with Cornish College of the Arts will make good, local use of Intiman’s fiscal and artistic resources.
- Taking responsibility and implementing stronger oversight. The board took what it heard in the planning process and is implementing the management controls recommended by its consultants and auditors. New leadership and board members will set the new course.
- Planning with deliberation and care to produce vibrant plays and pay off debt. The retooled and artist-focused business model combined with a tailored budget, close board oversight and cost containment measures will enable delivery of dynamic theatre while we continue to retire Intiman’s remaining debt.
“The Intiman board and some stalwart friends have worked tirelessly to develop a plan that is viable, reflective of Intiman’s excellent artistic reputation, and deserving of the community’s support,” said Susan Trapnell of Arts Consulting Group, Inc., management consultant to Intiman Theatre.
FUNDRAISING
“The Board believes the planned 2012 summer theatre festival will continue Intiman’s tradition of delivering thought-provoking and engaging theatre to this community,” said Sue Leavitt, co-chair of Intiman’s fundraising and development committee. “But, this plan will only be realized if Intiman’s patrons, audience members and community, corporate and foundation supporters come alongside the Board to provide the necessary resources.”
Intiman has already raised twenty percent of its one million dollar operating budget to produce the summer festival–$100,000 from board pledges and an anonymous gift of $100,000 to jump-start the campaign.
Intiman has also been paying down its debt and talking to its vendors to develop payment plans. The board will continue to work with vendors and donors to settle Intiman’s remaining debt.
The 2012 season will be Intiman’s 40th and the summer festival will coincide with the Next Fifty Seattle Center celebrations.
Update on test for City of Seattle intermittent stagehands
Nov 11th
The 34 people who are scheduled for tests on November 16th have all been called by ‘phone. In addition, Mike D’Aberle reports that he has been able to secure an additional 26 slots, and a second round of tests will be given in mid-December.
The 26 people who will be tested in December have been contacted by email. If you have not received either a telephone call or an email, then you will not be tested at this time. However, Mike has also gotten a verbal commitment for additional slots to open up in the spring; so if you didn’t make the cut this time, you may be able to get a city card within another six months.
City of Seattle test for intermittent stagehands
Nov 4th
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
I know that those of you waiting for word on the upcoming test for
City work have had questions about what's happening with the process.
The Stage Department has asked the City to expand the number of slots
available from 36 to 60, and is waiting to hear back. You should hear
from the City soon with details about the test - as soon as there's a
response on increasing the number of slots.
At this point, we do know that there will be test administered from
9:00 am to 12:00 noon on Thursday, November 16th. If we're successful
in getting additional slots opened up, more tests will be given on
either November 17th or November 15th, probably again between 9:00 am
and 12:00 noon. Tests will be at Seattle Center.
I'll pass along additional information as it becomes available.
In solidarity,
Paul
Occupy Seattle – and Hallowe’en
Oct 28th
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Occupy Seattle is once again asking for everyone who can to join them:
Saturday, October 29th
12:00 Noon
Chase Bank Robin Hood March & Teach-In
BAIL OUR OUR SCHOOLS, NOT OUR BANKS
As you may know, two days ago, Oakland (CA) police attacked Occupy Oakland with tear gas and clubs. A decorated Iraq veteran, with two tours of duty with the Marines, was badly injured, requiring brain surgery. Labor throughout the country, led by the AFL-CIO (and locally by the Washington State Labor Council and the Martin Luther King County Labor Council) are rallying to support the creative and courageous young people of the Occupy movement. Our Local has, I believe, had quite literally the strongest participation of any Union in Seattle. If you can make it on Saturday, please wear your colors – Local 15 jackets, caps, shirts buttons or signs.
In addition, Occupy Seattle will have an “Occupy Hallowe’en” event on Sunday. They need pumpkins, carving tools and tea candles for jack o’lanterns. If you can help with donations of these supplies or of food, water and other necessities, please call Max Brown at the Labor Council, 206-441-7102.
Finally, there will be a meeting of the Labor Caucus of Occupy Seattle at 6:00 pm this Wednesday, November 2nd in the Seattle Labor Temple, 2800 1st Avenue. Everyone is welcome.
In solidarity,
Paul
Occupy Seattle update: Rally Saturday 10/22
Oct 20th
Labor support for Occupy Seattle is continuing, and growing – as is happening throughout the country.
Local 15 has had proportionately one of the strongest showings of support for Occupy Seattle. We have members going down to Westlake Park every day, and for the major labor mobilizations we’ve had 10-20 people out each time.
Occupy Seattle is asking that we come out this Saturday, October 22nd, to join with communities of color for a noon rally and 2:00 march to express concern about police misconduct. If you can be there, please show your colors: wear an IATSE t-shirt, jacket, cap or button, and carry a Local 15 sign.
In addition, labor is helping to bring supplies to Occupy Seattle. The Boeing Machinists are working on getting Occupy Seattle a generator, as well as medical supplies. If you can provide food, water, blankets or other supplies, please bring them to the office of the Labor Council (Room 206 in the Labor Temple, 2800 1st Avenue in Belltown – just down the hall from Local 15), Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; or the Seattle/King County Building Trades Council, 6770 E Marginal Way S, Building E, Room 360 (South Seattle Community College, Georgetown Campus), Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 11:30 am or 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm; or the Teamsters, 14675 Interurban Avenue S, lobby, in Tukwila, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. They particularly need: megaphones for general assembly meetings; reflective flags and cones; caution tape; reflective vests; flashlights (preferably the kind you can crank and reuse); rope; duct tape; reusable water bottles; metal spoons; reusable bowls; and – if you’re out late – middle of the night coffee drops. (Please do NOT bring bread, peanut butter or hand sanitizers – they’re overwhelmed with those for right now.)
This is labor’s fight – we are part of the 99%. There’s now an informal labor caucus working to support Occupy Seattle. And it’s working: the New York Times reports that last week’s mobilization was the fifth largest in the country, behind New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Portland. This weekend is a chance for us to show our community allies that labor is there for more than workplace issues – we want a fair economy with family-wage jobs, but we also want social justice for everyone in our community.
In solidarity,
Paul
Notice to City workers on Viaduct alternatives during closure
Oct 17th
The following email has been approved for Citywide Broadcast by the Mayor’s Office
Point of contact for this Broadcast: Eric Mamroth, Employee Transportation Coordinator, 684-5420
Take Charge of Your Commute!
There will be a 9-day closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct starting October 21 at 7:30 p.m. through October 31 at 5:30 a.m. This closure will affect traffic along the length of the State Route 99 corridor, and long delays are expected on Interstate 5 and other transportation corridors.
The City of Seattle strongly encourages employees to consider alternatives to driving alone to work. Employees can take advantage of many transportation options including the City’s ORCA card.
Special October ORCA Card Offer: Between now and October 28, employees who do not currently have the City’s subsidized ORCA card are encouraged to go to the Treasury Operations Office (Seattle Municipal Tower, 42nd floor) between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, to receive a pre-loaded ORCA card tailored to their transit travel needs. The ORCA card can be used on King County Metro buses, Community Transit buses, Sound Transit Link light rail, Sounder commuter trains and Regional Express buses, Washington State Ferries and the Water Taxi.
Special Vanpool Offer: Alternatively, if you prefer, you can join an existing vanpool or form a new vanpool. The City will reimburse your October costs. Form a new vanpool and receive a $77 gift card from King County Metro Vanpool . Try it for two weeks. When you see how easy it is, you can opt to use your ORCA card subsidy to pay for a Metro vanpool. For more information, contact King County Metro vanpool: vanpool.information@kingcounty.gov, 206-625-4500.
Please remember: if you currently have an ORCA card and have not used it in the last two (2) months you need to:
1. Verify that your card still works. To do that, tap it on at ORCA reader on the bus, at a transit center, or at the train platform.
2. If your card does not work, go to the Treasury Operations Office (Seattle Municipal Tower, 42nd floor) between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to get the card replaced. There will be a $5 replacement fee.
Support for Occupy Seattle
Oct 14th
Local 15 has had a great, visible presence at Occupy Seattle during the labor mobilizations this past week. On Saturday at least 15 of us were there, with our wonderful, high-visibility Local 15 signs. KOMO-TV news last night had two different shots in which the screen was filled with our signs. And President Willhelm gave a terrific interview to KOMO radio. And I know that our members have been getting down to Westlake whenever they can before and after shifts or on breaks from ACT, 5th Avenue, Paramount and Benaroya Hall.
If you’ve been following what’s happened with Occupy Seattle in the last couple of days, you know that the City has started arresting people who try to camp in Westlake Park overnight. In fact, earlier this week the City took down a Succot tent – part of a religious ritual celebrating a moderately important Jewish holiday – that some of the Occupy Seattle activists had put up.Last night, at the Occupy Seattle General Assembly, there was an overwhelming vote asking for supporters to come down to Westlake Park tomorrow, Saturday October 15th, at 6:00 pm. They want anyone who can to join them in their General Assembly to discuss how to move forward – and they also want a strong showing of public support, to make it clear to the Mayor and the rest of the City government that this is a movement with a real base. I think it’s especially important that we make sure that there’s a strong, visible labor presence – so wear IATSE shirts, jackets, caps, sweatshirts, buttons – and if you have one of our Local 15 signs, please bring it with you.
In solidarity,
Paul