Dear Member,
Union solidarity can move mountains. We are with the members of the Writers Guild of America as they fight for a fair and equitable contract. If you can, please join us on the picket line. More information is available here. If you can’t join a picket line you can also show your support on social media by posting and sharing supportive statements using hashtags #WGAstrong, #sagaftramember and #1u.
I also bring exciting news about the New York State Budget which was finalized last night. Thanks to your activism and support, and the efforts of our staff and fellow industry unions, the New York State budget includes a significant increase to the Film and TV tax credit from $420M to $700M and an extension through 2034. This means more production and more union jobs for SAG-AFTRA New York Local members!
I cannot stress enough that we got this over the finish line because of your support and activism. The emails and calls to your state representatives and your #FilmedInNY tweets and posts helped make this happen. Thank you. Also, we could not have achieved this very important improvement without the leadership and guidance of our Executive Director, New York Local, Labor Policy and International Affairs Rebecca Damon. Rebecca personally oversaw SAG-AFTRA’s work on this important policy at the statehouse in Albany and across New York. Thank you, Rebecca, for all your effort and energy!
In other important news from Albany, the COBRA subsidy available to entertainment professionals who no longer qualify for health insurance from a union health plan was extended through 2024 and funded up to $1 million.
These are phenomenal developments. Thank you for responding to my calls-to-action. Your voice matters.
Forward together,
Ezra Knight
New York Local President