National Board Member's Message

Hello My Union Friends,

This past year, I attended the SAG-AFTRA National Convention and my first national board meeting as your representative. Let me start by saying having never been to a convention, I did not know what to expect. I was concerned about the cost of the convention. This coming from a union that has recently closed many offices across the country. However, I do see the value in a convention. Alliances are made, relationships are formed, and the future of our union is shaped. But, does it need to be every two years? Instead of four days, I feel the work can be done in three. These two changes will save the union a substantial amount of money, while perhaps even funding all the delegates so a greater number of members can attend in the future. 

I attended my first national board meeting following the convention. The main focus was our upcoming contract negotiations with our TV/Theatrical Contract. Now that we have movies and a TV show being filmed in Michigan, our input is important. I’m hoping members will get involved when it is time for Wages and Working Conditions committees. The Corporate/Educational and Non-Broadcast Contract was extended for a year so more time could be devoted to the TV/Theatrical Contract. I would like to see some changes made to the Co-Ed contract. A faster pay period would be an improvement. Also, I think producers abuse this contract by placing commercials on the Internet and signing talent under a Co-Ed Category II agreement. I am one vote in the boardroom, but as your representative, I will always do my best for you, the Michigan members.

See you on set,
Peter Tocco

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