SAG-AFTRA National Board of Directors Meets, Approves Commercials Negotiations Proposal Package

SAG-AFTRA National Board of Directors Meets,
Approves Commercials Negotiations Proposal Package

Los Angeles and New York (Jan. 23, 2016) – During a videoconference plenary today, the SAG-AFTRA National Board of Directors approved the 2016 Commercials Negotiations Union Proposal Package in advance of bargaining beginning on February 17 in New York.

In addition to adopting the commercials negotiations package, the national board approved the 2016 Commercials Contracts Negotiating Committee. The SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract upholds industry standards that allow commercials performers to earn a middle-class living.

The board also reviewed administrative, finance and governance matters and received reports including:

Operations Report
National Executive Director David White provided a report on the union’s overall operations and priority initiatives. The report included an update on the A Call to Arts mentoring partnership with the White House and AFI, as well as the recent petition delivery action at digital ad shop Droga5 and an accompanying online, print and social media campaign. White also highlighted the institution’s ongoing digital evolution and upcoming services the union is developing for members and industry partners.

Finance Report
Secretary-Treasurer Jane Austin and Chief Financial Officer Arianna Ozzanto reported on second quarter results indicating that expected revenue and expenses are tracking to budget.

The Finance Committee recommended forgoing the automatic increase in the union’s initiation fee that is provided for in the 2012 Merger Agreement, and the national board passed it unanimously.

Contracts Report
The national board passed several resolutions, including ratifying the Uptown Animation Agreement and supporting the creation of an Animated Short Film Agreement. In addition, the 2016 Music Video Negotiating Committee was approved.

Legal and Governance Report
The national board approved the formation of a Television Theatrical Principal Performers Committee with SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard as the national chair.

Additionally, the national board handled several governance and administrative matters, committee roster changes, and other matters.

The meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m. PST.