EXCLUSIVE: Violence and the threat of violence have shaken Teamsters Local 399, which is in the midst of a bitterly contested election. A source tells Deadline that the home of the local’s leader, secretary-treasurer Steve Dayan, was recently vandalized. Last night, his opponents called off a rally “due to threats of violence.”
Dayan, who is seeking re-election, could not be reached Sunday night, and the alleged vandalism of his home could not be confirmed. However, the fear of retribution caused his opponents, running as a slate called Teamsters Strong and Reunited, to cancel a rally and fundraiser Sunday in Sylmar.
A statement posted on their website Sunday said that, “Due to the threat of potential violence, the Teamsters Strong and Reunited Slate has decided to cancel the planned rally today at MB2 Raceway. The safety of our families and children are paramount.”
Dayan heads up a slate called 399 Members First. His opponent is Mitch Masoner, a business agent under Leo Reed, the local’s previous leader. Kenny Farnell is running for president on Dayan’s slate, and Ed Duffy is running for vice president. Paul Schwanke is running for president on Masoner’s slate, and Gene Alford is running for vice president.
The Local 399 represents location managers, casting directors, studio drivers and animal handlers.
