Losing candidate seeks U.S. probe of IA Local

Corruption allegation makes it to Secretary of Labor

By NICK MADIGAN

A member of IATSE's Sound Technicians Local 695 has asked Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman to investigate a recent union election that he says was "tainted" by corruption.

Dino M. Zaffina, a sound recordist who ran unsuccessfully last fall for business agent of the North Hollywood local, wrote to Herman on Feb. 12 alleging "misconduct" on the part of fellow candidate Ken Ross.

Zaffina, who is also a licensed private investigator, contends that Ross used union funds to print and mail campaign literature to members, and that he campaigned during business hours, which is forbidden.

The appeal to Herman was drawn up, Zaffina said, after Intl. Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees president Thomas C. Short declined to investigate the matter. Zaffina responded to Short's dismissal by telling him in a letter that he had evaded his obligations.

Troubled history

The flap recalls allegations of previous anomalies at Local 695, which was placed into trusteeship in June 1997 by IA leaders eager to inject integrity into its business dealings. The local, with about 1,200 members, also represents TV engineers and projection technicians.

James Osburn, who won the business agent post in the Dec. 7 election, wrote to Zaffina on Feb. 11, calling his challenge to the election "untimely" and demanding the return of documents and financial records that Zaffina "obtained illegally." Osburn was referring to copies of Ross' payroll checks and other paperwork that Zaffina used to bolster his case against Ross' activities.

Zaffina said the documents had been faxed to him and other union members by an anonymous source.

"I would like to thank this person for being so concerned about the propriety of the election," Zaffina wrote in a Feb. 15 letter to Osburn.

Ross, a sound mixer from Simi Valley, could not be reached for comment, but Osburn responded on his behalf.

"It's sour grapes," Osburn told Daily Variety, describing Zaffina's actions. "He hasn't quite realized the election is over. He lost -- we call him a sore loser. His allegations are totally unsubstantiated. We're just now reestablishing our relations with the employers and the last thing we need is this guy going to the trades and beating his own drum."