SAG President Melissa Gilbert Re-Elected to AFL-CIO Executive Council

LOS ANGELES (July 27, 2005) --- Delegates at the AFL-CIO national convention in Chicago today re-elected Screen Actors Guild (SAG) President Melissa Gilbert to the federation’s executive council. As an executive council member for the past four years, Gilbert has fought for issues that affect SAG and the Associated Actors and Artistes of America (4A’s) and has represented other entertainment unions’ concerns in labor negotiations and policy.

“I am honored to continue my service on the AFL-CIO Executive Council on behalf of the professional performers of the Associated Actors and Artistes of America,” Gilbert said. “I congratulate President Sweeney on his re-election and look forward to working with him, Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka, Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson and the entire AFL-CIO Executive Council.

“The labor movement must stand united to face challenges like outsourcing of U.S. jobs and the continuing consolidation of our global employers. We must mobilize and organize on local, national and international levels, with the leverage that comes from our collective strength.”

This is Gilbert’s second term on the executive council, the AFL-CIO’s governing body authorized to enforce provisions of the AFL-CIO Constitution. The council is comprised of three national officers and 51 vice presidents from various sectors of the labor community.

Theo Bikel, president of the 4A’s, nominated Gilbert for the council seat— a move that received broad support from other entertainment affiliates in the AFL-CIO, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Gilbert was joined in Chicago by fellow delegate and SAG 3rd National Vice President Steve Fried, past AFL-CIO Executive Council member representing SAG and current SAG board member Sumi Haru, as well as SAG National Executive Director/CEO Greg Hessinger, SAG Senior Advisor John McGuire, and Deputy National Executive Director for Policy & Strategic Planning Pamm Fair.