[Hugh R]

M21

To some extent, you're correct about rewards/education. However, take me for example. There are three people who do what I do for my employer, which is motion picture and television production safety. I have a BS in Environmental, Health & Safety, another guy has a BS in Criminal Justice, and the third guy doesn't have a college degree, but he is a certified Emergency Medical Technician. My employer went through a round of layoffs last month, and we were all concerned; none of us got the axe. I THINK, of the three of us, I would have been retained, and one of the others let go, had they decided to cut my department. Why? I'm the only one with an actual science background, while I don't use a lot of my education everyday, I'm the only one of the three of us with any serious math, chemistry, physics, noise, ventilation, etc. background. I also happen to be the only Certified Industrial Hygienist, Registered Environmental Assessor, Certified Hazardous Materials Manager and Qualified Environmental Professional, in the entire industry that is involved in motion picture and television production safety.

The universe of people in that profession happens to be about 20 people in the entire world. I bring great weight to the Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee, which writes the motion picture and television Safety Bulletins, which are the standard for film production throughout the world. Because of the above education and credentials, I THINK my job is more secure than those of my two colleagues, I could be wrong.