Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/129167
For Members N EW S , I N F O R M AT I O N A N D B E N EF I T S COMMERCIALS DEAL HEADS TO ONLINE VOTE T he SAG-AFTRA National Board of Directors has approved the commercials agreement that was negotiated with the advertising industry, authorizing it to be presented to members for ratiication. During its plenary meeting April 20–21, the board unanimously endorsed the tentative agreement, which will result in wage increases of $238 million and other payments for all categories of performers, improvements in cable use fees, increases in payments for work on the Internet and new media platforms, and an increase in the late payment fee. In addition, in an efort to encourage member participation and voter turnout, the board passed a motion to allow the option of online voting on the contract. "his is a great deal for SAG-AFTRA members. We made important gains on these contracts that provide our members with the solid foundation they need to sustain their careers and families," said National Co-President and Commercials Negotiating Committee National Chair Roberta Reardon. "I am very grateful to our negotiating committee which came together and worked as one to ensure a strong contract for their sisters and brothers who work in the commercials area." National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator David White said, "his agreement demonstrates the incredible work of our negotiating committee and the value to our members of the collaborative relationship we've developed with the negotiators on the Joint Policy Committee. We achieved solid improvements for our members and both sides agreed to major adjustments in the contract that address longstanding concerns and bring the agreement up to date in a variety of areas." National Co-President Ken Howard said, "I congratulate Roberta and our entire negotiating committee on a great outcome and particularly want to recognize the work of our chief negotiator, David White. he commercials agreements represent important work for tens of thousands of our members across the country and we have served them well in this deal." he three-year contracts are efective Continues on page 46 SAG-AFTRA TO STREAMLINE OPERATIONS T o better serve members and refocus on its core mission, SAG-AFTRA will be restructuring its operations. During the April 20–21 plenary, the National Board approved the iscal year 2014 budget, which calls for reducing a $6 million structural deicit, the result of legacy costs associated with the former organizations, the American Federation 14 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2013 | SAGAFTRA.org of Television and Radio Artists and Screen Actors Guild. he plan includes the consolidation and closure of 10 of the union's 25 oices nationwide, and will reduce staf by about 60 positions. he moves are designed to position the union for strength and growth in major media markets and emerging production areas. CONVENTION 2013 IS COMING! Looking to get more involved with SAG-AFTRA? Want to represent others and have your voice heard? Consider running for Convention Delegate! • The inaugural convention will be held at the J.W. Marriott in Downtown Los Angeles from Sept. 26-29. • This is the first SAG-AFTRA Convention, and delegates will be making union history. • Delegates will vote for the Executive V.P and the V.P positions that represent . . geographic areas and membership categories. • Important amendments to the SAG-AFTRA Constitution may be presented and voted on, as well as important resolutions. • Highlights of the convention include keynote speeches, presentations and workshops. • Delegates get a chance to meet members from across the country to discuss union business and have some fun. If you are interested in being a part of SAG-AFTRA history, check out the Calling All Candidates notice of nomination and election on the next page for schedule and eligibility information, and how to obtain a nominating petition from your local. "Our leadership made several critical decisions conirming a strategic path that refocuses this organization on core principles. We have addressed a structural deicit that relates to legacy costs and positions the union for long-term health and power. hese moves ensure that we can adapt to the evolving industries in which our members earn a living, and are Continues on page 46