After an attempt by the IATSE to organize a non-union commercial for Wal Mart, Stone Core Films refused to negotiate and shut down the production, in was announced by Thomas C. Short, International President. The Texas-based production company was shooting the commercial in the Los Angeles area, under the jurisdiction of the IATSE.

IATSE International Representatives Carolyn Bowden and Steve Aredas spoke with the producers about signing a contract to cover the pension, health and welfare benefits of the workers. The producers asserted that they would not sign a national agreement, because they could not afford to pay benefits in Texas where they produce 80% of their work. Aredas and Bowden reiterated that 300 companies have signed to the “national” agreement and that the workers they were currently employing should be paid their benefits. Because of the producers refusal to negotiate, the crew walked off the job and the company chose to shut down the project completely.