Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1054784
For Members 30 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2018 | sagaftra.org P rotections for members while working internationally took center stage when SAG-AFTRA leadership joined union officials from around the world in Tokyo for the executive committee meeting of the International Federation of Actors on Sept. 26 and 27. The federation, which is known by its French abbreviation, FIA, hosted a panel on sexual harassment featuring SAG- AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris and luminaries from Denmark, Sweden and Canada. The fight to end harassment, which was sparked by the Weinstein revelations late last year, has become international in scope. Noting the difficult and painful process of reporting sexual harassment, Carteris described the myriad mechanisms the union has enacted to support its members and highlighted the union's recent implementation of counseling services in partnership with the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and The Actors Fund. On the topic of workplace practices, she discussed the Four Pillars of Change initiative that was enacted since last year's FIA meeting and expounded on the release of Guideline No. 1, which called for an end to the practice of holding professional meetings in private hotel rooms or residences. Panelists talked about approaches that have been effective to prevent abuse, the best ways to provide resources for victims and the next steps as the campaign seeks to be a driver of long-term change. In addition, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director David White spoke passionately about the value of unions and the need for performers in Japan to join and participate in the Japan Actors Union. He also moderated a panel about the video streaming business that included National Director Residuals Claims Jennifer Gaudry, who provided expert advice. Also attending was Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, who serves as co- convenor of the global diversity working group and the legal advisory group. Other items on the agenda included discussions of health and safety and changes in the industry brought on by the rise of streaming technology. SAG-AFTRA works with its counterparts globally on issues that affect all performers, such as copyright law, technology and working conditions. GLOBAL SOLIDARITY EMPOWERS SAG-AFTRA MEMBERS SAG-AFTRA leadership joins labor leaders from around the world at the FIA conference in Tokyo in September. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director David White speaks about the importance of unions in protecting performers around the globe.