Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1367665
30 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2021 | sagaftra.org SAG-AFTRA Leadership Talks With Incoming Labor Secretary S AG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris and Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon met virtually on Jan. 14 with then-Secretary of Labor-designate Martin Walsh. Walsh convened union leaders to discuss how the Department of Labor can work in partnership with unions to build our economy back from the pandemic while keeping workers safe. Walsh is the first secretary of labor with a union background in nearly 50 years. He is a longtime member and leader of Laborers' International Union of North America, a union whose members build infrastructure, work in the energy sector, and even construct movie sets. Walsh, who served as Boston's mayor for the last seven years, was sworn into office March 23 by Vice President Kamala Harris. "We must protect the right to organize for all workers, because everyone deserves to be protected, respected and paid fairly," said Harris. "Throughout his life, Marty Walsh has fought for the working people of Boston and as secretary of labor, he'll continue that fight for all Americans." "I grew up in a working-class family — I know the struggles America's workers face every day. So I will work on your behalf to create jobs, bolster workforce training, and protect workers' rights, safety and pay," Walsh said. "I'm honored to have the opportunity to continue working on behalf of working people. These are tough times, but America's workforce is tougher. Let's get to work." Labor Secretary Walsh T he SAG-AFTRA Theatrical and Television Agreements are clear regarding when per diem payments are to be made on scripted entertainment productions. Section 35 of the Codified Basic Agreement and Section 65 of the Television Agreement say that when a principal performer is working or held at an overnight location, "The producer shall issue per diem checks to day performers before the start of each workday and to weekly performers before the start of each workweek." Note that if the producer provides meals to you on set, the per diem amount may be reduced. Also note that if there is no local check-cashing facility, you are required to be paid in cash. Vice President, Actors/Performers, William Charlton said it's important that members hold producers to the contract terms. "Per diem is due on your first day of work when you travel. No later. Nor should you have to ask for it; it should be handed to you. Please stand in solidarity by sending a message loud and clear that any further violations of this contract term will not be tolerated," he said. If you are not receiving per diems on time, please contact the union at paymyperdiem@sagaftra.org. Get Paid Your Per Diems on Time S AG-AFTRA has launched a Spanish-language version of its website. Located at es.sagaftra.org, it is part of a broader organizational effort to increase engagement with thousands of Spanish-speaking members, while also supporting organizing in the growing Spanish-language market. The new website is in fully functional beta and will continue to be developed. "SAG-AFTRA continues to make significant gains in our organizing efforts at Spanish-language media companies. Like our country, our union has seen a large increase in the number of people we serve who primarily speak Spanish," said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris. "Being able to communicate with our Spanish-speaking members is paramount so that they are fully informed on everything from benefits to organizing efforts." The new website will not only include the content of its English counterpart, but will also host articles and resources that are specific to the unique needs and work of the Spanish-language industry. SAG-AFTRA's development of a Spanish-language website is part of a broader bilingual endeavor that also includes social media channels on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and a popular Spanish-language podcast. "Nothing is more central to our engagement with our membership than making sure our members can communicate with their union," said SAG-AFTRA COO & General Counsel Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. "Providing full web accessibility for our members who work under our contracts in Spanish is a key step forward. An informed and engaged membership is a powerful membership." SAG-AFTRA's involvement in the Spanish-language industry includes a historic contract with Telemundo, which covers telenovela performers, longstanding contracts with Spanish-language television and radio stations, and contracts for Spanish-language dubbing. The union is also engaged in ongoing negotiations with several Spanish Broadcasting System radio stations in Los Angeles and Chicago. The SAG-AFTRA National Board also approved the formation of the National Latino Members Committee during its April 17 meeting. SAG-AFTRA Launches Spanish-Language Website