A Letter From SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher

 

 

 

 

This is a huge organization with many rules and logistics.

 

Still, every single member has a voice and a pathway of expression. It’s a beautiful and inspiring example of people joining together as a labor union to protect everyone's interests.

 

Thank you for the confidence you have shown in my leadership. I am honored to serve my union as SAG-AFTRA president.

 

The torch has been passed from former president Gabrielle Carteris to me.

 

Because of her tireless and earnest dedication to our union, along with her team, there is much to build upon with many inroads that have been carved on many different platforms.

 

But now, we are beginning a new and exciting era for SAG-AFTRA.

 

During this term, we will elevate ourselves, redefine and refocus our enormous reach and rise up to the envy of all our industry peers.

 

This is absolutely essential for achieving massive success at the negotiating table.

 

Only as a united front, without blaming or shaming can we realize our true potential as the most powerful entertainment union in the world.

 

I don’t care who you align yourself with or who you voted for. What I care about is what you do for a living, how you want to serve this union and what you would like to see accomplished during this term. As your new president, I enter this position without bias and I pledge to be a president for all SAG-AFTRA members. This is a union. I see you. I hear you. And I want to help you.

 

Together, we will navigate through these troubled times of global health crisis and do what we do best: entertain and inform.

 

How fortunate are we, the gifted few who get to be a part of this industry? We must never forget who we are and what joins us together.

  

Only as a united front can we have power against the real opposition in order to achieve what we all want: stronger contracts, better benefits and safe working conditions.

 

In my career and private life, I always turn my lemons into lemonade and my pain into purpose.

 

As a cancer survivor, rape survivor, public diplomacy envoy for the U.S. State Department, the founder and president of the Cancer Schmancer Movement, a lobbyist on Capitol Hill who worked tirelessly to see a bill passed by unanimous consent, a two-time New York Times bestselling author, and an actor who has also worn many hats for my projects which paved the way for more women to do the same today, I am no stranger to hard work or challenging the status quo.

 

I pledge my administration to transparency and open communication with our members.

 

I will lead, guide and navigate us all through the business of our union.

 

And, I will be laser-focused on ensuring the most powerful bargaining positions for our important contract negotiations, including the upcoming commercials negotiations in 2022.

 

I know that strong contracts are the cornerstone of any powerful labor union, and I am already talking with our chief negotiator, discussing creative and innovative new structural and conceptual changes.

 

The pandemic has taught many businesses how to thrive when working virtually. Staff who dress from the waist up and Zoom with their pets at their slippers have done amazing work. 

 

This shift begs consideration of programs and initiatives that may better address the current work climate, while making the best use of member dues.

 

An initiative I shared with delegates at our convention that is especially meaningful to me is the establishment of a special Green Advisory Council.

 

We need to take a stand against waste and toxins for greater eco-friendly, sustainable and greener practices industrywide.

 

This effort will be brought into public attention by our highly recognizable members who are already established as environmental activists.

 

With the right leadership and a methodical rollout, I have confidence that this council will bring increased focus and pressure on our industry’s carbon footprint reduction, while becoming a beacon to other industries as well.

 

On this front, I have some exciting news about the union reducing its own footprint: in addition to being able to sign up for paperless billing and residuals direct deposit, you can now easily opt out of receiving other items your union regularly sends by mail. Visit sagaftra.org/gogreen for options on how you receive your member magazine, SAG Awards For Your Consideration screeners and your bi-annual membership card. 

 

In this time of environmental crisis and climate disaster, we have a responsibility to be part of the solution, and not the problem, throughout the entertainment and media industry. 

 

I am here to serve every member of our union and will work to ensure equal access for all, with zero tolerance for sexism, racism, ableism, ageism or sexual predators.

 

Let’s keep this conversation going across all fronts until consciousness has been raised and there is real change in our industry once and for all.

 

Our contribution to the world audience is important. We are important!

 

May we all continue to shine a light on audiences across the nation and around the world with our talents.

 

Together, we can and will make the difference we all want and are more than capable of achieving.

 

Make kindness and compassion your compass!

 

❤️   ☮️  Fran