Working Together to Empower and Protect Performers 

"I had the privilege of attending a fascinating workshop as a delegate to this past convention," said Jo-Jo Shutty-MacGregor, Second Vice President, Michigan Local. "The topic was global engagement."

Panelists represented the International Federation of Actors, Equity UK, SAG-AFTRA and the AFM & SAG-AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund.

"We learned that in the past 10 years, with so many companies moving their bases of operations overseas, it has become vitally important and necessary for international organizations, performers unions, collecting societies and other organizations to work together to ensure that performers are protected and compensated wherever they work — and wherever their work is used," said Shutty-MacGregor.

The topics discussed included: 

• How the union can help performers be less vulnerable and more aware of how to handle situations around the world;
• Why performers need the union to be their voice in global situations;
• How the union helps keep performers informed on fair pay and play, copyrights and royalties;
• How the union continues to push and go after ancillary or residual payments in all countries; and
• How the union is there at all hours to ensure the safety of all performers.

There was much discussion about how broadcast reporters and news correspondents need to be protected while on assignment around the world, especially in these ever-increasing times of crisis.

The bottom line: SAG-AFTRA continues to try and achieve a better outcome for union members here and around the world to make sure that everyone is treated fairly and kept safe. All union members need to be better educated on global engagement, and with the guidance of SAG-AFTRA, work together now and in the future to make performers’ lives better and their compensation and treatment fairer — no matter where they're working!

This item was originally featured in the January 2016 local newsletter.