BURBANK, CA – On August 24th, the power of unity and solidarity was on full display on the Motion Picture and Television Fund (MPTF) Campus, where an incredible team of over 200 volunteers from IATSE, Teamsters, the MPTF, LA Food Bank, and LA County Federation of Labor hosted a food drive to assist those impacted by the ongoing work stoppages in the film and television industry. In just four hours, volunteers distributed food, household necessities, personal products, and baby products to nearly 1,000 families in need.
“Today’s food drive is not just an act of providing sustenance; it is a profound statement of solidarity and support for our entertainment industry union family during these challenging times. IATSE, MPTF and Teamsters 399, deeply believe in the principle, ‘We take care of our own’. Our commitment doesn’t stop when the cameras are off or the stages are empty, it strengthens. Together, we will defy adversity, and continue to champion the welfare of our members,” said IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb.
As a testament to the philosophy, “We take care of our own,” no membership ID was required to receive food, emphasizing IATSE’s, Teamsters’ and MPTF’s commitment to supporting all entertainment industry workers and their families regardless of affiliation.
The event serves as a powerful reminder of our collective strength and our unwavering dedication to mutual aid. Both IATSE and Teamsters 399 continue to strive for solidarity in the face of adversity, standing strong for our industry, and for each other. Additionally, our heartfelt thanks go to the LA Food Bank, and LA County Federation of Labor, Labor Community Services, and Matthew 25 Ministries for their material and logistical support for this crucial relief.
