Membership Meeting Recap

More than 200 members attended the SAG-AFTRA New York Spring Membership Meeting on April 15 at the DGA Theater. Highlights included:
 
• New York Local Co-Presidents Mike Hodge and Holter Graham opened the meeting with the exciting news about our move to a new space at 1900 Broadway (see top story). 
• While the status of the merger between the two legacy union health plans remains largely confidential, it was revealed that reciprocity committees had been set up and an initial exchange of data had taken place.
• New York Executive Director Jae Je Simmons noted the recent one-year anniversary of SAG-AFTRA and listed several accomplishments of the past year, including more than 1,000 member events, the ratification of the New York Local Constitution and Rules of Procedure and the negotiation of several contracts, most recently the Commercials Contracts. She also reported that New York hosted 111 film and television productions in 2012, and that 2013 was on track to be another busy and vibrant year for the local industry.
• Both National Co-Presidents Ken Howard and Roberta Reardon attended the meeting. Each reflected on their journeys in union service and their pride at the evolution of SAG-AFTRA so far.
• New York Chair Sue-Anne Morrow spoke about the Commercials Contracts Negotiating Committee and acknowledged the tenacity and dedication of members and staff. Details about the proposed contract will be shared with members soon via informational meetings.
• Assistant National Executive Director for Organizing Phil Denniston commented on recent organizing efforts, some of which by necessity had to remain confidential.
• Committee Co-Chair Janette Gautier gave a report on the Open Door Program, which despite the disruption caused by Hurricane Sandy last fall, has managed to reschedule and complete almost all of its appointments.
• N.Y. Local Government Affairs and Public Policy Co-Chair Ed Fry reported that the N.Y. State Child Performer Education and Trust Act has now been fully implemented. Information can be found here. Also, with the help of the Cuomo Administration, N.Y. passed a five-year extension (until 2019) of the film and TV tax incentives, now one of the largest film and TV incentive programs in the country.
• SAG Foundation Board members Rebecca Damon and Maureen Donnelly listed the many benefits available to all SAG-AFTRA members and noted the 20th Anniversary of the BookPALS program.
• Members were given the opportunity to ask questions from the floor, and the evening ended with the awarding of door prizes. 

This article was originally featured in the May 2013 local e-newsletter.