A Note from Our Local President

Everybody wanted a change … and that’s what we got when legacy AFTRA and legacy SAG voted to merge. At the convention, we were told that we’re the largest merged entertainment union in the country. Because we’ve grown, the way in which our local receives services is different. 

Answers that were difficult to get in the past may be easier now because of our expanded network. At the same time, a simple yes or no answer might not be so simple. There may be different departments to contact instead of one person. The proverbial wrinkles have to be ironed out. As your president, I want to assist with these changes. Let me take a moment to suggest ways to help you deal with them.  

1) Register your concern. Don’t fret or sweat or waste a lot of time trying to deal with the problem. Contact the department this newsletter identifies as the problem-solver for your situation. 

2) The solution is available and staff does want to answer your questions. Everyday, new strategies are put in place to increase communication. If you tried before and didn’t get a satisfactory answer, email Linda Dowell or me at neworleans@sagaftra.org so we know what’s going on with you.
 
3) Your elected board members want to represent you, whether or not we work in your category. Dancers don’t have to go to dancers for answers or stunt performers and broadcasters to stunt performers and broadcasters. Your board not only wants to understand what’s happening in your area, we need you to let us know so we can help. We have the tools to do something.

In other news:

Our annual meeting was well attended by more than 65 members. One of the best parts of the meeting for me was to learn that members serve by helping members, regardless of office. Performer Becki Davis offered advice about contacting another local with similar concerns to resolve a contract issue. Performer Ralph Horn volunteered to assist other members in setting up a group to help each other do “self-on-camera” casting/auditions. Voiceover artist Marjorie Ocho Kouns is organizing a panel of VO artists who work in the industry for this March. Email me if you want to contact them.

A meeting was later held with stunt performers and several of these members volunteered to participate on the Wages & Working Conditions Committee that will register your concerns on a national level.

As we create a union that will serve all of us, let’s change what we do to make it easier to get the help we deserve.

In solidarity,

Diana Boylston, New Orleans Local President

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