New York Local Holds Annual Membership Meeting

The SAG-AFTRA New York Local held its annual membership meeting on Monday, May 15, at the DGA Theater. This was the first in-person meeting since 2019, as these meetings had been held virtually since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of SAG-AFTRA offices. New York Local President Ezra Knight and Executive Director, New York Local, Labor Policy and International Affairs Rebecca Damon gave reports and updates about the union and the industry. Vice Presidents Linda Powell and Jim Kerr, along with Associate General Counsel Justin Touretz, provided additional insight.

A big focus of the meeting was the ongoing WGA strike. New York Local leadership, staff and members affirmed SAG-AFTRA’s solidarity with WGA members and their fight for a fair contract. Attendees took a group photo in solidarity and recorded a video, chanting in support of the striking members of WGA.

The meeting included the presentation of the 2023 Joseph C. Riley Award, presided over by New York Honors and Tributes Committee Committee Vice Chair Janette Gautier. Given at the recommendation of the New York Local chairs, the Joseph C. Riley Award recognizes deserving individuals who have demonstrated excellent service and made exemplary contributions to SAG-AFTRA, its members, and the community of entertainment and media professionals through local committee service. This year’s award was presented to committee member Shellen Lubin by New York Local Women’s Committee Chair leslie Shreve. Shellen was recognized for her yearslong commitment to expanding opportunities for SAG-AFTRA members through her volunteerism on both the SAG-AFTRA New York Local Women’s Committee and as co-president of the Women in the Arts & Media Coalition.

Following the presentations, members participated in the Q&A and engaged with leadership and staff. 

Top photo: SAG-AFTRA members show their solidarity with WGA at the 2023 New York Local membership meeting