[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 173 (Tuesday, December 1, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING BRUCE C. DOERING

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JUDY CHU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 1, 2015

  Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a 
dedicated leader in the labor movement and entertainment industry, 
Bruce C. Doering, on his retirement as the Executive Director of the 
International Cinematographer's Guild, IATSE Local 600. His retirement 
marks the end of a remarkable three decades of improving the lives and 
working conditions for thousands of entertainment industry union 
members across the United States.
   Bruce Doering has been actively involved in the union movement from 
an early age. As a young steel worker in Chicago, Bruce helped start a 
union newspaper to expose poor working conditions. He was instrumental 
in a Chicago Sun Times expose that led to stronger safety regulations 
and increased incentive bonuses for employees. In 1985, he went to work 
for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) to 
begin a career that would have a significant influence on a rapidly 
expanding creative industry.
   After initially serving as the Executive Director of Local 659, in 
Hollywood, Bruce oversaw the merger of three camera unions into a 
powerful national Cinematographers Guild in 1996. Members are now able 
to work around the country on projects and still receive their health 
and retirement benefits. While retirement funds were being slashed 
around the country, Bruce pushed hard to maintain member eligibility 
and helped to grow a retirement fund based on a percentage of members' 
hourly earnings. As a member of the Board of Directors at the Motion 
Picture Pension and Health Plans since 1986, Bruce has served on 
numerous committees protecting and enhancing the benefits workers and 
their families receive.
   Bruce's tenacity has helped create more job opportunities for 
members, and ensured them a path into the middle class. During his 
tenure, Local 600 expanded its reach considerably into reality 
television. In 2001, he was in the vanguard of the industry's rapidly 
changing technology, helping recognize the Digital Imaging Technician 
classification. After a decade-long fight, unit publicists this year 
finally won the ability to earn their health and pension benefits 
across the United States. The Local's political presence has been 
particularly felt in California, where Bruce led Local 600 campaigns 
supporting time and a half overtime pay, the doubling of unemployment 
benefits, and supporting union member voices in politics.
   Bruce's success in guiding IATSE Local 600, and his exceptional 
career as leader in the union movement is a true inspiration for all of 
us. We thank him for his service, his leadership in the community, and 
for being a role model for so many.

                          ____________________