Now that we, as a union, have had a little rest and relief from a tumultuous year of TV/Theatrical negotiations, I have had a chance to reflect on the year it was.
In June 2023, negotiations started, then the strike and a no-work order. In October 2023, we went back to the table, but with the CEOs. Negotiations restarted, stopped again. In November 2023, negotiations resumed with the CEOs again. The committee stood strong, with lots of nail-biting, with pressure rising everywhere in the industry, again no work. Back and forth, back and forth. On the 118th day of the strike, the negotiating team made a deal that the committee approved without objection. The National Board approved and then the arduous three weeks of member ratification. Dec 5, 2023, the tentative agreement was ratified. Phew, what a trip!
As your Los Angeles Local president and the national VP of Los Angeles, this contract was hard fought, but it was a great accomplishment in my life and I am honored you posited me here to serve you.
I think we all learned a lot.
The most important thing I’ve learned is that a union works best through solidarity, and you can’t have solidarity without transparency and trust. Every day we gained your trust by being upfront with how negotiations were going. And in doing so, you stayed right alongside us.
During the strike at a rally at Paramount, I quoted the great Broadway and SAG actor Robert Prosky, “The moment of not knowing has the greatest potential for creativity.”
You proved that true on the picket lines, doing due diligence by educating yourselves on the contracts and by supporting the winding road of “not knowing” throughout the 118 days. It was truly a journey for all of us.
As challenging as this was and despite the disagreements and differences in opinion, we have to remember that no contract is ever perfect, and what isn’t included is left to fight another day.
To quote Michelle Obama, “When it comes to wanting to make a difference in the world, I find that it can also be useful to break down those gigantic all-or-nothing goals into their component parts. This way you are less likely to get overwhelmed or exhausted or crash into feelings of futility. None of this is defeat. What becomes defeating is when great becomes the enemy of good.”
Taking in the good for the greater good of ALL.
I hope this reflection will provide a reminder of those very special joyful moments on the picket lines, of the unity that was built, and how much can be accomplished when we take action together.
Many thanks and blessings. Wishing you all good things,
Jodi Long
SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local President
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