Local Executive Director's Report

It is fantastic to see an uptick in signatory work this year in Nevada. We have already had five regular theatrical films this year, with the possibility of a couple more being planned (see production report). The Mentalist shot for a couple of days for that show’s finale, and several car companies still enjoy the desert around Las Vegas as background for their commercials. Under the auspices of our new union, several members had the opportunity to work various awards shows and TV specials that are legacy AFTRA signatories. I am fervently hoping that this trend will continue.

Our Local, along with our brothers and sisters in IATSE, Teamsters and AFL-CIO are already gearing up for the next opportunity to legislate for tax incentives (perhaps it would be better to properly call it a jobs bill). The next legislative session begins in January 2013, and several groups are already engaged in efforts to get language before committee. Keep in mind that not all of the various groups fighting for incentives or credits have the same agenda. For example, your union leadership is concerned with bringing jobs to Nevada, while a casino lobbying consortium might prefer everyone come from out of state to work on a project to fill hotel rooms. Stay in contact with your union to know the difference.  Nevada Local Legislative Chairs Mary Ann Hebinck and Scott Mirne are already collecting names of interested individuals for a citizens’ educational/lobbying distribution list to keep folks aware of what is going on and to suggest when to write or contact your state legislators. 

Your Local President Barbara Grant has also established a Wages & Working Conditions Committee for the upcoming Commercials negotiation. If you would like to serve on and attend the Nevada Local W&W, or if you have questions or a suggested proposal to be submitted, please email Local Executive Director Steve Clinton. For participation on either or both committees, please put contact information and permission to share such within the committee in your email.

This item was originally featured in the June 2012 local newsletter.