National Board Member's Message

Editor’s note: Randal attended the recent October National Board meeting in L.A. as this issue went to press — he will report highlights from that meeting at the upcoming Nov. 14 membership meeting.

Since my last communique, I attended the July National Board meeting in New York. Some highlights of our work over the last few months include:

TV/Theatrical

At our board meeting, we approved the negotiating committee for the upcoming TV/Theatrical contract negotiations (the contract expires June 30, 2017). Wages and Working Condition meetings are being held across the county beginning late October; a process which solicits input from members to help create proposals for the negotiations. If you have something to add, you can participate by emailing your thoughts to wandw2017@sagaftra.org by Nov. 18.

Member Services

As I have mentioned previously, one of the union’s key goals is to enhance our ability to be nimble and responsive, especially to members and other industry professionals. The opening in May of our Member Care Contact Center was an important step in that process. Since then, the response to surveys on its effectiveness has been overwhelmingly positive.

Merged Health Plans

During the meeting, we also appointed union trustees to serve on the newly merged SAG-AFTRA Health Plan. Remember, the plan will become effective Jan. 1, 2017. Please visit sagaftraplans.org for current information.

Howard Keel Award

I have also been serving on the Howard Keel Award committee that awards the highest honor given by SAG-AFTRA’s Committee of Locals. The first “SAG-AFTRA” award [as opposed to SAG award] went to David Hartley-Margolin at the Oct. 14 Committee of Locals meeting in Los Angeles.

Please consider volunteering time supporting us, your SAG-AFTRA local. Being involved is entirely reasonable in terms of energy and time commitment. As I’ve said before, it feeds the “work begets work” mindset. Please contact me to learn more, at twincities@sagaftra.org.

Cheers until next time,

Randal

This item was originally featured in the November 2016 local newsletter.