Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/23723
FOR MEMBERS OPT FOR PAPERLESS DUES BILLING I n yet another way we’re working to serve you more efficiently, Screen Actors Guild will soon offer free, paperless billing of your membership dues via your preferred e-mail account. As part of our ongoing green initiative, we’re cutting costs (not to mention clutter in your home) and making your billing instantaneous. Visit SAG.org/onlinebilling to sign up, and you’re on your way to receiving an electronic facsimile of your spring dues bill online, accessible at any time for downloading (and printing if needed). You can also pay your dues online with a click of your mouse. No paper. No stamps. And as a benefit for paperless billing subscribers, each new bill will be stored in our system for later reference. SAG members must be registered on SAG.org to take advantage of this member benefit. Once enrolled in paperless billing, you will be notified by e-mail when your new dues bill is available for viewing. Of course, you can always go back to regular mail at any time. Breathe easier with free paperless dues billing from Screen Actors Guild. British Equity Policy Embraces Union Actors from the States Kingdom residency to become a member of its union. Prior to the July decision, non-European Union nationals T could only apply for a limited status as visiting artists. According to John Barclay, head of recorded media for the organization, “British Equity’s new position means that any international performer can apply for full membership, subject to meeting the union’s joining criteria—either working on a British Equity contract or holding current membership of a sister union in the USA.” Screen Actors Guild has a similar policy for performers entering the U.S. to work on SAG-signatory productions. “We would encourage our colleagues in SAG, AFTRA or American Equity to urge those U.S. nationals working on a British Equity contract, whilst in the U.K., to join the union,” said Barclay, “just as British nationals working on a SAG, AFTRA or American Equity contract are likewise expected to join the relevant U.S. union.” More information about British Equity can be found online at equity.org.uk. he governing council of British Equity has removed the prerequisite of United Protecting Young Performers Presidents’ Forum HOLDS FIRST MEETING to protect children working in our industry. Part of the impetus for the bill was the Pennsylvania-based production of Kate Gosselin’s Kate Plus 8. SAG National Director of Government Relations and Policy Nancy Fox, speaking I on behalf of the approximately 4,000 young performers who are members of SAG, testified, “While this bill goes a long way toward protecting children and navigating the challenges facing production, we are advocating for several important changes, which we believe will make this bill one of the best in the country.” SAG National Board Member Richard Masur, the SAG National Legislative Committee chair, added, “Tis union has been fighting to protect our young performers since its founding. We have passed landmark legislation in California and New York, and strengthening these protections across the country is of paramount importance to Screen Actors Guild. We look forward to continuing to work with our members, the sponsors and the state of Pennsylvania to ensure that a strong, successful bill will be adopted.” Joining SAG to testify on behalf of the bill were former young performers Paul Petersen of Te Donna Reed Show, Alison Arngrim of Little House on the Prairie and Jon Provost of Lassie. n September, SAG provided expert testimony to the Pennsylvania House Labor Relations Committee on an important piece of child labor legislation, H.B. 2515, T he AFTRA and Screen Actors Guild Presidents’ Forum for One Union met for the first time October 21 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles to begin joint discussions about uniting to form a single union. SAG President Ken Howard and AFTRA National President Roberta Reardon joined in conversation with member representatives of both unions from across the country, with each organization’s national executive directors in attendance. The group reviewed possible parameters for future discussions and pledged to hear from a wide array of member groups in both unions about their specific needs and concerns. The forum also discussed the benefits of retaining an independent facilitator to help develop a process and timeline. Howard described the meeting as “a successful first step” and said he was committed to “engaging in a public and transparent process.” Reardon, too, said she looked forward to the outreach on this “exciting and important project.” HELP FOR MEMBERS: Emergency financial assistance in times of crisis is available for eligible SAG members through the SAG Foundation (sagfoundation.org). Members in New York and east of Omaha, Neb. should contact the SAG Motion Picture Players Welfare Fund (SAG.org/mppwf), (212) 221-7300, ext. 119. 28 SCREEN ACTOR - Fall/Winter 2010 SAG.org