National Board Report

By Debra Nelson

Let me start by wishing every member of the Atlanta Local — longtime members, new joins and recent transfers — a very happy new year. If we haven’t met yet, let me introduce myself: I am your representative on the SAG-AFTRA National Board. As part of my duties, I take issues and concerns that affect members of this market and members across the country to the National Board for discussion and action at the quarterly meetings, and I attend the biennial national convention.

The theme of the SAG-AFTRA 2015 National Convention was Educate, Engage & Empower. Educating yourself on areas like union operations, the local market, industry trends, technology, “right-to-work” and the contracts are equally as important as educating yourself on your craft. And after all, it is called show business. All of these areas have a tremendous effect on our careers.

For example, as a new member or transfer from a union security state to the Atlanta Local, do you know what it means to be a member of the union in a so-called “right-to-work” (RTW) state? The term sounds positive but, in actuality, the law undermines union protections. The law allows non-members to work under SAG-AFTRA contracts and receive the same protections without being required to ever join or pay dues/fees. However, you need to understand that members are not allowed to work off the card under any circumstance, and doing so is a violation of Global Rule One. Anti-union pockets are deep and they continue to back attempts to pass RTW legislation state by state. The National RTW Committee continues to work to combat the negative effects of RTW laws and to increase the many benefits of membership everywhere. I proudly serve as a member of the National Right-To-Work Committee and Local President Ric Reitz serves as the national chair.

I will also once again serve on the upcoming Commercial Contract Negotiating Committee. The Wages & Working Conditions Plenary took place in Los Angeles the weekend of Jan. 16-17 to formulate proposals for negotiations. There’s so much more to our contracts than the session fee. Take the time to educate yourself on all aspects of all SAG-AFTRA contracts — the difference in categories, units, new media, wardrobe, overtime, meal breaks, etc. Last year, we approved updated agreements for animation, Network Television Code, Co/Ed, sound recordings and the first audiobook contract. And educate yourself on how to complete an actual contract when you work because no matter what is negotiated by the committee and ultimately approved, if it’s incorrect or not written on the contract you signed on the set, it doesn’t matter.

The best way to educate yourself is to become engaged, which will empower us all in the end. Attend local meetings and events, volunteer, read local and national communications, participate in the Commercials Organizing & Recapture Initiative, contribute toward the 1 million hours of mentoring SAG-AFTRA has committed to President Obama’s Call to Arts initiative and follow SAG-AFTRA on social media. Stay informed. Just be sure your information comes from official local and national SAG-AFTRA sources.

I look forward to continuing to represent the Atlanta Local and to helping our market to continue to grow and prosper.