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Each month we will showcase a City agency employee or an industry specialist who helps to facilitate production in New York City.
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September 1, 2004 - Thomas O’Donnell, Sr. has been a driving force in New York City’s production industry for the past five decades. Since 1961, Mr. O’Donnell has served as President of Local 817, the union representing more than 400 professionals who provide transportation services to the film community. He also serves as International Vice President at Large of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), one of the largest labor unions in the world, with a membership of over 1.4 million.
The members of Local 817 transport people, vehicles, scenery and equipment for local productions. “Our union offers the best professionals in the world, in a city with the best locations in the world,” Mr. O’Donnell said. “We pride ourselves on our experience and on our cooperation with producers, and are ready on a moment’s notice to do whatever it takes to keep production rolling. In today’s competitive market, we have to be the best.”
Mr. O’Donnell’s career has been marked by his dedication to striking innovative and mutually beneficial partnerships between labor and the film industry. “The production industry benefits New York City economically and employs the 400 members of Local 817, and we are committed to negotiating contracts that benefit us all,” he said. For example, in the past, when union professionals worked on Saturdays and Sundays, their services were billed as overtime. Recognizing that many productions require weekend shoots, Mr. O’Donnell crafted a new policy whereby producers can choose to employ workers on any five days, and only pay overtime wages if workers are needed more than five days in a single week.
For Mr. O’Donnell, New York City is an ideal location for any production because of the local creative community. “The experience and talent of the professionals in New York City is truly amazing,” he said. “When you invest in New York City, it’s worth it.”
For more information on Local 817, call 516-365-3470.
 More Industry Stars
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