A Message from Your Philadelphia Local President

SAG-AFTRA received a letter from Ukee Washington of KYW-TV and, with his permission, I am sharing it with all of you. As you already know, SAG-AFTRA fights every day for the dignity of our members, whether they work at a broadcast station, on a set or in a home studio. Out of respect for our members' privacy, much of SAG-AFTRA’s work is and will always be done behind the scenes and will remain between the members and their union. However, we appreciate the opportunity to highlight the work that’s being done in areas of diversity and equality, as it is a core function of your union. 

Your Local Board is working on developing a new Local Board Code of Conduct to ensure that members serving as elected leaders adhere to the same values that we fight for every day as a union. 

In the meantime, I was so delighted to receive this letter that I knew it was something I had to share.  


Sam Clover 
Philadelphia Local President 
 
Hey Family — and I do Mean “Family!”

I just wanted to stop in for a moment during a time when we all are looking at our industry and life very closely. There have been, as you know, many on-point conversations taking place about diversity. Television, movies, social media, etc. is included in that conversation as well. These conversations for change have been a long time coming! I have no doubt this will help tremendously when it comes to positive change for those working today and for those who we ALL are setting the table for tomorrow!

Everyone deserves respect and dignity — no matter what your job description and duties might be, no matter where you are from or what you look like! I am an extremely proud member of SAG-AFTRA and have been for a blessed 35 years at Channel 3! (Please keep that time frame between us, OK? It sure doesn’t seem that long.) I support my union and I know my union supports not only me, but so many others.

Recent alleged comments toward myself and a few others with ties to CBS3 caught the attention of a nation. My spirit remains extremely high, with the outpouring of love SAG-AFTRA and so many other organizations and individuals provided in the aftermath.

As I mentioned in a videotaped response, “We SHALL overcome. We MUST,” as conversations turn into foundations on which to stand, now and forever.

I am truly fired up, knowing that change is real and long lasting. It does my heart and soul wonders to know that I am part of an organization that is committed to making change last. To all of you, my brothers and sisters, keep on keepin’ on!

We have each other’s backs and there truly is strength in numbers!

Be safe, be kind, BELIEVE!

Ukee Washington
CBS3 PHILADELPHIA