Dear Member,
As your returning L.A. Local president, your newly elected national vice president of Los Angeles, and vice chair of the 2023 Negotiating Committee, my sincerest gratitude for your unwavering support throughout our unprecedented strike.
Through your creativity and commitment to get a fair contract, together, we have shown the world the power of collective action. This determination was palpable and deeply felt. I could see it in your faces, within the zeal of the community every time I went to the picket lines. Your solidarity gave us strength during our most trying times in negotiations, and for that I thank you; we could not have achieved these historic gains without it.
Much gratitude to the many volunteers who came out to our picket lines, particularly our strike captains, who jumped onto the lines in the first week of the strike and helped establish the energy and structure for each individual lot. So many of you spent the majority, if not all, of the 118 days out on the pickets. Your sacrifices and your commitment will never, ever be forgotten. You are the next generation of leadership in SAG-AFTRA, and I look forward to supporting your efforts in any way I can.
Many thanks and kudos to all of you who coordinated the special pickets, food trucks and theme days as well as the DJs, photographers, masseuses, musicians and barbers who brought their gifts and joy to the pickets! You have truly changed the way of striking and picketing. Always remember, JOY is a form of resistance.
Our 118 strike days may be over, but our work is not complete. I hope you have been able to attend the many informational meetings provided to help you understand the terms of our tentative agreement, in order to make an informed vote, which, as a member, is both your privilege and responsibility.
For any questions regarding the 2023 TV/Theatrical Contract, please visit the 2023 TV/Theatrical Contracts Tentative Agreement site or send questions to tvtheatrical2023@sagaftra.org. The voting deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m. PT. Make sure your voice is heard!
As our industry quickly rebounds, your Los Angeles community has shown up and is ready to help you, even beyond the strike. Please be sure to take advantage of the numerous Deals & Discounts and L.A. Local Resources available to you. If you or any members you know are in need, do not hesitate to seek assistance from organizations that support our members. The SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Entertainment Community Fund and Motion Picture & Television Fund are still offering financial assistance.
But this isn’t the end; it is the beginning of a new way of being for SAG AFTRA. Bring some of the joy of engagement you had on the picket lines to union service and stay active and engaged. Attend orientation and other informational meetings, get involved in committee work, and keep your eye out for all the future events and programming that will be starting shortly. Remember, this is your union.
It has been a long time of stress and hardship for some, but also a time for play and great community. Now that we will no longer see each other every day, it is crucial that we check in on each other, utilize the resources available to us, and continue to foster the community built on the lines.
Please remember, our local is here to help you. Contact our dedicated staff at la@sagaftra.org with any questions or concerns. And remember, you are a part of this very LARGE Los Angeles Local family.
Wishing you all a happy Thanksgiving. Giving many thanks for you.
Moving forward together, all good things,
Jodi Long
Los Angeles Local President