L.A. Local Board Meets Virtually for April 2023 Board Meeting

The third virtual Los Angeles Local Board meeting with observers was held on April 13. The meeting was called to order in honor of SAG-AFTRA member Lance A. Lott, the son of former L.A. Local President and current Board member Jane Austin, who was tragically killed in March 2023. 

Administrative, committee and event updates were given for the upcoming months.

The L.A. Local Board received reports, including: 

TV/Theatrical Negotiations Report

First Vice President Sheryl Lee Ralph thanked all of the member volunteers currently involved with negotiations. She emphasized the importance of having a culture of inclusion by saying, “Big and small locals alike must join together for the advancement of the union. We must go far together.”  

Second Vice President David Jolliffe discussed the importance of the upcoming TV/Theatrical contract negotiation. A historic number of plenary meetings — seven — were held in preparation for negotiation with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which began on June 7. The current TV/Theatrical contract is due to expire on June 30. 

SAG-AFTRA New Building Report

An update on the new SAG-AFTRA building was provided. The deal for the building also includes a parking structure and an adjacent lot, which will provide future development opportunities for the union.

L.A. Local Executive Director’s Report

Local Executive Director Serena Kung introduced the newly hired SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local program manager for member outreach, Amara West. 

Kung outlined updates on motions made at the December local membership meeting. She also noted upcoming local events, including May Day, which celebrates International Workers’ Day, and Stamp Out Hunger, where L.A. Local members assist postal workers at the Hollywood Post Office with sorting donated canned goods on May 13. At the end of the report, members were reminded to save the date for the virtual L.A. Local membership meeting on May 13. 

Committee Reports

Eleven of the L.A. Local committees provided reports regarding the support for legislative initiatives in California that may impact the film and television industry, the creation of subcommittees focusing on topics such as mental health, and singer and dancer touring agreements, upcoming trainings and events from the Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee, and the long-awaited reopening of the conservatory in the next few months.