National Board Update

 

Dear Seattle Local Members,

I want to give you an update on the national scope of our union. Overall, we are moving forward in very strategic ways as we navigate the political climate in Washington, D.C., and the way it affects our work as artists and broadcasters — all of this as we prepare for the upcoming TV/Theatrical negotiations. Additionally, we are making huge leaps in our organizing efforts and member service. Here are the highlights:

The President's Task Force on Education, Outreach and Engagement: The Task Force is travelling throughout the country listening to the needs of members in their locals, especially pertaining to the issues surrounding connections to local industry (including outreach to schools, film organizations and festivals), safety in the workplace and so-called “right to work.”

Telemundo: Less than a month ago, Spanish-speaking telenovela performers at Telemundo voted to join SAG-AFTRA. The vote is a momentous step toward ending the double standard between Spanish-speaking performers at Telemundo and their counterparts at NBC.

Interactive strike: We have signed nearly 30 games from more than 20 companies who are hiring our members under terms that the triple-A game companies have not yet agreed to. This is good progress to an ongoing effort.

Going digital: We are in the midst of a complete digital evolution, which includes a revamping of our website to better meet member needs and a rollout of direct deposit later this year — and be sure to download the SAG-AFTRA mobile app, which features a residuals tracker, production listings, news and events, rates and contracts, and deals and discounts.

Finally, I just returned from a government affairs trip to Washington, D.C., with President Carteris. We had a luncheon with AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and participated in the Creative Caucus event on Capitol Hill hosted by the Motion Picture Association of America, of which we were a sponsor, and which promotes the entertainment industry in our country. I also represented our union at a Grammys on the Hill event, which focused on music and arts education.  

Your union is working for your rights as artists and communicators.

In solidarity,

Abby Dylan
National Board Member