A Letter From Your Michigan Local President

Dear Michigan Local Members,

Last week, there were 27 “right-to-work” states. Today, there are only 26! The great state of Michigan has overturned “right to work” thanks to bills passed in the House and Senate and signed into law by Gov. Whitmer. We are the first state in 60 years to reverse “right to work” — what an incredible accomplishment! Whether you are a broadcaster, actor or recording artist, repealing “right to work” is good for all.

Studies show that workers’ pay drops 3.1% on average when “right to work” — or “right to work for less,” as it’s commonly known — is passed. Under “right to work,” individuals can work under our union contract and not pay any dues to the union, yet still receive our union’s protections and even qualify for health and pension benefits. This is freeloading at its worst! Loss of dues from those individuals means fewer resources for organizing new broadcast stations and jobs, less research for contract negotiations and a reduced ability to pursue legislation benefiting ALL workers. Less union density in the local talent pool means that agents can promote non-members who can work any job (while taking a higher commission percentage), resulting in less incentive for producers to become signatory to our contracts.

I am extremely proud that our local’s members had a voice in this happening. We were privileged to invite Jasmine Kaltenbach from the Michigan AFL-CIO to attend our SAG Awards party last month. Besides socializing, we used the cocktail reception before the awards show as a call to action. Jasmine gave a brief speech about the push in Lansing to repeal “right to work” and asked members in attendance to fill out postcards to their local elected officials in Lansing expressing desire to repeal “right to work.” She collected a large stack of postcards to take back to Lansing that evening. That is union activism at its finest: making our voices heard as voters and union members to effectuate change. Congratulations to us all!

While we celebrate this achievement, we naturally ask, “What’s next?” Can you say, “Film incentives”? Stay tuned for our ask about again reaching out to your elected officials in Lansing to help make this happen. We are also working with other entertainment unions to plan a Lobby Day up in Lansing, where we show up at the Capitol to meet with elected officials and help bring incentives back. 

Let’s make 2023 the year that Michigan said NO to “right to work” and a resounding YES to film incentives.

In unity,

Edric Wyga
SAG-AFTRA Michigan Local President