What Does Global Rule One Mean in Arizona & Utah?

SAG-AFTRA is a democracy, and our National Board is made up of members from across the country who decide our membership rules.

Our first rule is referred to as “Global Rule One,” and it states, “No member shall render any services or make an agreement to perform services for any employer who has not executed a basic minimum agreement with the union, which is in full force and effect, in any jurisdiction in which there is a SAG-AFTRA national collective bargaining agreement in place. This provision applies worldwide.”

Just because Arizona and Utah are so-called “right to work,” that does not give members the “right” to “work off the card.”

You may say, “It’s just a small project. I can work it, right?” Wrong. But you can work with staff to turn that non-union project into a union-signatory project! 

When you work off the card and run into problems, the union can’t help you because the project wasn’t produced under a SAG-AFTRA contract. Working off the card not only contributes to the growth of non-union work, but it puts your membership in jeopardy. Consequences of working off the card range from fines to suspension to expulsion from the union.
           
Working under a contract protects you and promotes solidarity which is needed not only during times of a strike, but all the time. If we want to grow union work, we must let producers know we are worth a union contract.

Make sure the next project you’re working on is signed to a union contract by using our Signatory Search or contact SAG-AFTRA at info@sagaftra.org or (855) 724-2387. Other questions about productions or Rule One enforcement? Contact Lisha.Brock@sagaftra.org.