It was quite an unexpected turn of events at this year’s national convention. Under the theme of “Future Forward – Union Power,” the union’s officers, National Board members and delegates assembled for a virtual convention Oct. 21, prepared for a weekend of considering resolutions, hearing from elected leaders and honoring fellow members — but it didn’t exactly go as planned.
As it was two years ago, the convention was held virtually, with delegates able to attend from home via Zoom. SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher kicked off the proceedings on the 100th day of the TV/Theatrical/Streaming strike with a fiery speech that focused on members’ unity and expressed her disappointment that, over all that time, the studios only showed up to the bargaining table for a few days.
After that, members caucused and then voted for the executive vice president as well as the category and geographic vice presidents. Elected were Linda Powell for EVP; Jodi Long for national vice president, Los Angeles; Ezra Knight for national vice president, New York; Michele Proude for national vice president, mid-sized locals; Suzanne Burkhead for national vice president, small locals; Shari Belafonte for national vice president, actors/performers; Bob Butler for national vice president, broadcasters; and Janice Pendarvis for national vice president,
recording artists/singers.
By late morning, word had come down that the studios were prepared to return to negotiations on Oct. 24. The mood was hopeful, with leaders and delegates excited that the studios may at last be ready to offer a fair deal. With Negotiating Committee members and staff needing to prepare for the next round of talks, the decision was made to adjourn the convention at the end of that day.
The agenda was hastily rearranged. Resolutions, George Heller Memorial Awards and American Scene Awards were put on hold, with the National Board to decide when and where to resume those activities. Drescher emphasized that the resolutions would not be forgotten, but just that they needed to be considered at another time.
President Drescher, Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher and EVP Powell all gave remarks that were originally scheduled for later in the convention. Additionally, National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland presented his report and took questions from delegates.
Although the convention only lasted a single day, it packed a lot in a short time, and despite the unorthodox execution, it kindled a sense of camaraderie and hope, and it went down as one for the history books.
This item was originally featured in the SAG-AFTRA fall/winter 2023 magazine issue.