National Board Member Report

By Scott Rogers

Congratulations on SAG-AFTRA’s second anniversary. President Ken Howard reported that the residuals processing time has gone from more than 90 days to less than 30! This is good news and reflects the excellent work of National Executive Director David White and staff.

White reports that we are moving in the right direction. Revenues are up, collection rates are up, membership is up and production numbers are up. Next goal is to improve the phones and customer service.

Michael Estrada, CEO of the SAG-Producers Pension & Health Plans, reported that our pension plan has $3.3 billion in reserves and is in the green zone, the highest level, which means it’s in great shape. On July 1, combined earnings will be in effect between SAG and AFTRA health plans. This is a stopgap action while the trustees focus on merging the two health plans. White reported that the AFTRA retirement plan has approximately $2 billion in reserve and is also in the green zone. Investment returns are excellent, at nearly 14 percent.

The board voted unanimously to approve the 2014 TV/Theatrical Contract Proposal Package. The TV/Theatrical Contract negotiations began on May 5. The board also voted unanimously to pass the 2014 Basic Cable Contract Proposal Package and the 2014 TV Animation and Basic Cable Animation Contract Proposal Package. And, a supermajority of the national board voted in favor of our new logo!

This item was originally featured in the June 2014 local newsletter.