SAG-AFTRA National Board Meets via Videoconference

LOS ANGELES – The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) National Board met Saturday  in a regularly scheduled one-day videoconference plenary. The board approved an agreement to cover content created by certain types of influencers when they are paid to advertise products or services. 

This agreement will allow SAG-AFTRA to increase its coverage over this form of advertising, and increase opportunities for members to earn union income and qualify for health and pension benefits. Further details and outreach on this new agreement will be forthcoming.

“Making it easier to cover this type of work has been a top priority for our organization. I want to commend the efforts of our staff in creating an agreement that will benefit SAG-AFTRA’s current members as well as allowing all creators an opportunity to join the union. As new ways of storytelling emerge, it’s imperative that we embrace and lift up these artists,” said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris. 

The board paid tribute to longtime employee and senior executive John McGuire. McGuire is retiring after 52 years of service to SAG-AFTRA members. President Gabrielle Carteris presented him with the SAG-AFTRA President’s Award, which is given for meritorious service, dedication and commitment to the membership of SAG-AFTRA and the American labor movement.

"There are no words to express the respect and depth of appreciation we feel for John McGuire," said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director David White. “After more than 50 years of exceptional stewardship and service to our members, employees, the entertainment industry and the labor movement, we can scarcely imagine SAG-AFTRA without him. He will be greatly missed.” 

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

President’s Report

President Gabrielle Carteris opened with a remembrance of members who died since the last national board meeting and led the board in a moment of silence.

She reported on the industry’s Return to Work Agreement and applauded member leaders across the country who are encouraging adherence to safety protocols that protect members and ensure a safer return to work.

Carteris saluted SAG-AFTRA broadcaster members for their fortitude and coverage over the past year, many while being maligned and facing violence when covering the news. 

She also previewed the upcoming 3rd Annual Labor Innovation and Technology Summit to be held online on Feb. 19. The event will be co-hosted by SAG-AFTRA and the AFL-CIO and is open to the public.

“This is an invaluable opportunity to bring workers from across labor to the table for crucial discussions about workforce transformation,” said Carteris.   

National Executive Director’s Report

White provided an update of the union’s operations, gains in member services, enforcement, organizing, and member education and engagement. White reported on the union’s technology and innovation enhancements, including the union’s new online enrollment tool, digital claims tracker, development of the online producer’s portal and the results of the sexual harassment reporting app beta test.

“SAG-AFTRA continues to tap the power of innovation to serve members more efficiently,” said White. “The goal of our technology enhancements is to make the member experience faster, more efficient and more empowering. The pandemic has only motivated our team to redouble our efforts, and our work is paying big dividends for our members.”

Finance Report 

Secretary-Treasurer Camryn Manheim and Chief Financial Officer Arianna Ozzanto presented reports showing that the fiscal year 2021 actuals have performed better than planned.

The board overwhelmingly approved a Finance Committee recommendation to hold initiation fees at their current rates and to suspend an automatic annual increase of 2% in base dues.

The board also approved a recommendation to extend the lease of the union’s headquarters at 5757 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, to October of 2032. 

Contracts Report

In addition to approving the new influencer agreement, board members also appointed the National Code of Fair Practice for Network Television Broadcasting (Network Code) negotiating committee in advance of upcoming negotiations anticipated later this year.

Governance Report 

Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon and Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel Duncan Crabtree-Ireland reported on several routine governance matters and provided an update on the 2021 convention. The convention, previously approved to be a virtual event, will take place October 16-18 with the theme “Virtual/Vital/Visionary.

In other business, the board rejected a demand by Frances Fisher that it immediately commence litigation against certain member volunteers, elected leaders, staff members and Plan trustees with regard to the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan's 2021 benefits changes.

As previously reported, the board also passed a resolution preemptively denying any potential re-admission applications by former member Donald J. Trump. 

The resolution cites the same concerns that prompted the initial disciplinary charges — which were resolved by Trump’s resignation Thursday — notably his antagonism of the union’s journalist members and disregard for the values and integrity of the union. 

The meeting adjourned at 10:14 p.m. PT.

About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.