SAG-AFTRA National Board Meets via Zoom Videoconference

LOS ANGELES – The SAG-AFTRA National Board, meeting by videoconference today, overwhelmingly approved the appointment of a task force to investigate current practices and develop and recommend  protocols to help ensure fair and equitable hiring practices within the stunt community. The full text of the resolution can be found here.

SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris said, “We have heard the personal stories of paintdowns, wiggings, harassment, and bias and we stand together to say ‘no more.’ This board recommitted itself to our mission of diversity, equity and inclusion for underrepresented stunt performers. Today, we are taking decisive action to address these systemic issues.”

In other business, the board formally recognized SAG-AFTRA member volunteers and professional staff for their efforts to maintain core union operations and ensure uninterrupted member service throughout the pandemic. The action particularly recognized the development of the Return to Work agreement with the AMPTP, the continued processing of members’ residuals payments, and the day-to-day efforts of all members and staff in maintaining stable union operations during the global pandemic. The full text of the resolution can be found here.

The board also received reports, including:

President’s Report

President Gabrielle Carteris opened the meeting by reading the names of SAG-AFTRA members who passed away this year and led the board in a moment of silence. Carteris led a remembrance of former New York Local president Mel Boudrot, who passed away yesterday.

Carteris also reported on the work being done on safety and reopening, noting that, “The development of these safety protocols was one of our most important achievements. With the collaboration of our sister guilds and unions, the employers, our epidemiologists and other health experts, and the incredible work of our staff, we have been able to help our members return to work in a safer and more controlled environment.”

National Executive Director’s Report

National Executive Director David White was joined by SAG-AFTRA Chief Economist David Viviano to report on the economic landscape of the union and the impact of the pandemic.

White also provided a summary report of the union’s operations and updated the National Board regarding technology and innovation enhancements, including online joining, the development of the sexual harassment reporting app, and the continued work to standardize and support professional intimacy coordinators.

White also praised the work of SAG-AFTRA member leaders and staff during this challenging time.

Finance Report

Secretary-Treasurer Camryn Manheim and Chief Financial Officer Arianna Ozzanto reported that third-quarter actuals are on plan and tracking to budget.

Contracts Report

Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez presented a recommendation for the creation of a Dubbing Steering Committee to facilitate organizing efforts and improvement of contract terms in the area of dubbing.

Rodriguez and members of the Entertainment Contracts team presented a resolution to create an agreement for micro-budget entertainment productions. This agreement will allow for negotiable terms and a simple registration process for qualifying productions with a budget of less than $20,000 per picture or per episode exhibited on free-to-the-consumer new media, at film festivals or in classrooms. The new agreements are expected to become available in early December.  

The board also appointed the Wages & Working Conditions/Negotiating Committee for the upcoming Sound Recordings Code negotiations process. 

Governance Report

Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon and Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel Duncan Crabtree-Ireland reported on several routine governance matters and local constitutional amendments. The National Board approved a motion to hold the 2021 National Convention virtually due to COVID-19.

AEA Report

Crabtree-Ireland provided a report on the ongoing jurisdictional dispute with AEA. Crabtree-Ireland noted that SAG-AFTRA had filed a formal jurisdictional complaint with the Associated Actors and Artistes of America (4As) and a request for mediation with the AFL-CIO’s Department for Professional Employees.

Pension & Retirement Report

SAG-Producers Pension Plan CEO Michael Estrada and AFTRA Retirement Fund CEO Christine Dubois reported that both funds are in the Green Zone and are stable and safe with a positive outlook. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 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.