L.A. Local President’s Message

It is hard to believe, but another summer is over. It is time to reflect over the past months and focus on the year ahead. 

It has been a year since members voted for me as their national secretary-treasurer and the Los Angeles Local president. I take your confidence and trust very seriously. Over the past 12 months, I have attended many member meetings, caucuses, events and programs to engage and converse with various constituents to hear concerns and opinions about SAG-AFTRA. I have learned much during this time and I plan to continue this practice in the upcoming year. Working with the Local Board and chairs, my goal is to shape a cohesive elected leadership that forwards our strength and contracts and brings valuable programs and events to our local members. It has been very rewarding to watch attendance numbers grow at the Los Angeles Local events and see our members engage and take advantage of what their union offers. 

This October through December, we need your participation more than ever as SAG-AFTRA prepares for theatrical and television negotiations of our contracts that expire in June 2017. In your email, you have seen invites to stakeholder caucuses being held in the James Cagney Boardroom. If you were unable to attend your specific meeting, it is not too late. We invite you to attend the wages and working conditions meetings, also known as W&Ws, to provide your perspective and input. These meetings are critical to the process as it is the only time that the entire membership has the opportunity to voice concerns and desires about these contracts. Please visit the website for a full calendar. 

If I haven’t had the chance to personally meet you, please do not hesitate to introduce yourself to me the next time you are at a program, activity or meeting at 5757 Wilshire. I am interested in what you have to say. 

In solidarity,

Jane Austin