Welcome SAG-AFTRA Hawaii

Welcome SAG-AFTRA Hawaii

Merger. That word can now be filed away. Somehow it felt inevitable this time as the vote grew closer, ballots were readied, debates sprang up on social networks and phone banks went to work. In Hawaii, we were cautiously optimistic, and on March 30, 2012, both local SAG and AFTRA boards, along with our phone volunteers, were invited to the union office to watch the results streaming live on the Internet. Whatever the outcome, we would experience it together, in solidarity. Most of us forgot our laptops, but thanks to Scott Rogers and Brenda Ching, we were covered. Coffee brewed, and we munched on fruit, muffins and other goodies as we listened to that sleepy elevator music from both computers while the folks in L.A. got it together. The mood was good. But when the results were finally announced — SAG 82 percent; AFTRA 86 percent in favor of merger — our cheers alerted the musicians and neighbors down the hall that it was time for a photo op. It was a great way to start the day, and a delightful beginning to our new joint venture.

This item was originally featured in the July 2012 local newsletter.