It is always said that SAG-AFTRA’s biennial national conventions are ... well, unconventional. But the sixth convention, themed “Future Forward — Union Power,” proved itself to be unlike conventions of the past.
Although the dates were decided well in advance, the 2023 Convention weekend commenced during the SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical/Streaming strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, a time made more tense following the AMPTP’s withdrawal from contract negotiations a few weeks prior. It was not lost on the union’s leadership and delegation that the convention’s Oct. 21 start date had coincided with the 100th day of the strike.
Yet, in the hours following SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher’s call to order and national vice presidential elections, proceedings came to a halt with good news: The AMPTP was returning to the negotiating table.
After much discussion, convention delegates agreed upon an early adjournment with arrangements to reconvene at a later date to discuss and vote on more than 100 resolutions. The George Heller Memorial Award and American Scene Awards programs would also take place at that time.
The 2024 Special Convention convened on June 22 and proved to be an opportune time to recognize the union’s collective victory following the ratification of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Contracts — and paved the way for what’s next.
With a brief overview of the union's most recent contract wins in television animation and sound recordings, and ongoing support of state and federal legislation to ensure A.I. protections, the agenda quickly shifted to addressing resolutions proposed by members across the country.
The delegation deliberated on resolutions covering a large range of topics, including diversity, equity and inclusion; training for union leaders; and streamlining internal procedures.
During the George Heller Memorial Awards ceremony on June 22, former National Board member Sheila Ivy Traister; Vice President, Mid-Sized Locals Michele Proude; SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Recording Artists/Singers Janice Pendarvis; and former National Board member Stacey Travis were honored for their years of service to the union and its membership.
The American Scene Awards aired the following day and were hosted by members Margaret Cho and Peppermint. Singer Mickey Guyton and the Country Music Association received the Music & Sound Recordings Award for Love My Hair; PBS SoCal/KCET received the Belva Davis News & Broadcast Award for Lost LA: From Little Tokyo to Crenshaw (2022); and ABC, Warner Bros. Television and 20th Television received the Entertainment Award for Abbott Elementary (2021–present).
The 2024 Special Convention officially adjourned on June 23.
The next national convention is set to take place in 2025.
This item originally featured in the 'SAG-AFTRA' summer 2024 magazine issue.