From Your National Board Representative

Hello My Union Friends,

As I write this, I have recently returned from New York City from a National Board meeting. Two points were discussed in detail: One, the merger of the SAG and AFTRA health, pension and retirement plans. Your National Board is more committed than ever to merging these plans, but it has proven to be more difficult than originally thought. I wish I could say there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but sadly, not yet. A lot of work is being done to get a merger of the plans completed. In the long run, I believe the plans will merge into one health plan and one pension plan — it’s just going to take a lot longer.

Two, the Co/Ed contract is up for renewal. Wages and Working Conditions committees are starting to form, and your input is needed if you work this contact. A lot of members feel producers often abuse the Co/Ed contract. For example, signing actors to this contract when commercial work is clearly being performed. The negotiating committee wants to make this contract stronger, but your help is needed. Please look into attending a Wages and Working Conditions Committee meeting so your voice can be heard.

Spring is around the corner, and that means movies will be shooting again soon. Good luck to all, and I hope to see you on set.

Peter Tocco
National Board Representative

This item was originally featured in the February 2015 local newsletter.