AFL-CIO: SAG-AFTRA Vote Represents Union Democracy at its Best

Today voters in the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) approved – by majorities exceeding 80 percent in each union – merging their unions into one, SAG-AFTRA.
 
AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka said, “The AFL-CIO commends the members and leaders of these two great unions for a process that gave every member a chance to weigh in on this crucial decision. The participation shaping this outcome represents union democracy at its best. I look forward to the continued service of SAG President Ken Howard and AFTRA President Roberta Reardon on the AFL-CIO Executive Council as they jointly represent their new union, SAG-AFTRA.”
 
Paul E. Almeida, President of the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO, said, “Corporate consolidation, globalization, and new technologies have reshaped the arts, entertainment, and media industries. In this changed world, the members and leaders of SAG-AFTRA have taken a necessary and important step toward strengthening their collective voice.”