by Kathy Repolla
Sometimes, words are not enough. This is one of those moments when, as I approach retirement from the Guild on January 31st, I struggle to find words to express the many feelings I am feeling.
Throughout my career, what has been most important to me has been the ability to be a voice for our members in the best of times and the worst of times. Although this job is demanding, I strive to never lose sight of the day-to-day needs of our members. You, the members, have always told me about your goals, desires and hopes to make the Union a better place for all of you. I wish each of you the best both personally and professionally.
What I miss most are the people. I have developed so many relationships with so many of you that mean the world to me. In addition to saying goodbye to our members, I also want to say goodbye to our Guild staff. Some I’ve worked with for a long time, some for a shorter time, but no matter the length of time, the employees are like a second family to me. It’s hard to say goodbye easily to someone who means so much to you. I would like to express my deepest and most heartfelt thanks to all my colleagues who have brought extraordinary experience to the Society of Editors over the years.
I spent a lot of time in the board room at the Hollywood Guild offices, and I have to thank all of the members who have served on our board over the years. We debate, discuss, agree, disagree – but all these directors always act with the common goal of doing what is in the best interests of the majority of the members and the guild as a whole. Working together regularly and closely creates a bond that cannot be replicated.
I faced many challenges in my role as National Executive Director. I have been told many times that our opposition to the 2018 Basic Agreement triggered a new wave of member engagement.
We were able to face and successfully weather the effects of the global pandemic. We work to respond to members’ frustration with the 2021 Basic Agreement negotiations and to assess this disappointment, learn from it and implement changes. As a result of these changes, our negotiations were successful this year.
Of course, while my tenure here may be coming to an end, the challenges will not. Last year’s work stoppage, initially caused by an industry-wide double strike, gradually manifested itself as an outgrowth of deeper industry-wide problems and brought us new setbacks. Our hopes for a return to full employment levels are continuing to be tested. Due to the lack of adequate employment, we face some harsh realities.
The problems caused by shrinking jobs and the impact of evolving technology are not going away anytime soon. But I believe that if we work together, unite, continue to take all proactive steps, think outside the box and always look within ourselves as a union, we will adapt and overcome these challenges. Accepting uncertainty is not always comfortable, but we must be open to change. We must imagine and build the future. Given all of this instability, the Board of Directors made the wise choice to select Scott George as my successor. Continuity of staff, board initiatives, membership and the union as a whole is critical for the future.
Although I no longer carry out my day-to-day responsibilities, deep down in my heart I will never stop caring about this union and all of our members.
Many of us who do this type of work say it “gets in your blood.” I was born to do this work, but I didn’t realize it until I became a storekeeper 35 years ago. Now, after 32 years in this union, I realize that this job has a place in my heart. There is no way I can retire without continuing to be deeply invested in our members and the future of this guild.
As I took the final steps out of the guild office, I expected to feel a mixture of emotions. Until then, I will reflect on my gratitude for the opportunity to serve our members. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
