Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/377629
24 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2014 | SAGAFTRA.org doing what they do best. "We're not there to play gotcha, we're there to prevent rules from being broken and controversies developing," said Damis. Members appreciate that their union is never far from the set, be it in person or by phone. "No matter what set I'm on, I always recognize the value and importance that my union has a regular presence," said Jon Huertas, a SAG-AFTRA National Board member and a co-star on ABC's Castle. "Having a SAG-AFTRA rep on set keeps me confident that our members' best interests are being looked after. And also, knowing that help is just a phone call away in the event an issue arises allows me to feel comfortable enough to focus on my work as a performer." Los Angeles Local member Wednezday Ryan agrees, saying her interactions with field reps have been positive. "They are very knowledgeable and ready to answer any question asked, and if they don't know the answer they will find out and follow up," she said. Relationships also build trust between performers and their reps, and that ensures that communication goes both ways. "For me, the relationships are so important because the actors open up to you. They can ask you for help when maybe they wouldn't before," said Senior Business Rep, Field Services Antoinette De Wolff. When members are more candid about their concerns, the reps can better tend to their needs, but De Wolff emphasizes that it's not just about resolving problems. Knowing what matters most to members and how they're treated helps the union as a whole be more responsive. "Everything is about protecting the performer," De Wolff said. Although reps are constantly visiting sets, they can't be everywhere at once. That's why it's important that members report issues in a timely fashion; if field reps are the union's face, its eyes are the members. The union can't know about every contract violation unless members report issues as they arise. When they do, members can be sure that the union will address the problem without revealing members' identities — unless, of course, it involves a monetary issue in which the member must be mailed a check. Also, if a member wants advice or just wants to discuss an issue, and would prefer that the rep doesn't take action, their wishes will be respected. "We take all measures necessary to maintain their confidentiality when taking action with the companies," SAG-AFTRA Director, Field Services Randall Dudley said. "Members can always speak to their reps in complete confidence." Dudley added that field reps understand the critical role they play in members' lives, and don't take the responsibility lightly. "The field reps consider it an honor to be the ones to go out and work with our members face to face," Dudley said. Part of building and maintaining relationships is understanding regional culture and practices and the impact those may have on member safety and comfort. During his two decades with the union, South Region Manager, Contracts David Fazekas has visited sets throughout the South, including Florida, Louisiana and Alabama. At those shoots, heat can be a common concern during the spring and summer months. "If someone is out in the heat and they're not in a shaded area or a climate-controlled area, they can become dehydrated. In a humid and hot environment like Louisiana or Florida, where you can have a heat index of well over 100 degrees, it can be a dangerous situation where people get heatstroke," Fazekas said. Local filming practices can also affect how the reps do their jobs. In Los Angeles, much of the production takes place in studios, and reps are assigned several shows that they monitor. In New York, most of the filming is on location, so the reps will drop in on productions that are in close geographic proximity. In some locals with small staffs or regions with far-flung filming locations, the duties of making set visits can fall upon those, like Fazekas, who are not full-time field reps, but are equally dedicated. "I can always count on my Atlanta reps to be there if I have questions or problems. I can reach them by phone, email or stop by the office," said stunt performer Sarah Reagin. "I remember when they came to visit us on the set of Prisoner during a stunt- heavy day to make sure things were running smoothly, and when they visited Footloose to make sure the dancers were being taken care of." But no matter where in the country they operate, the men and women who represent SAG-AFTRA are backed by the resources of the union and its contracts — and that makes all the difference. "Sometimes I get a call and everything is rectified by the time I get to the set," said Hawaii Local Executive Director Brenda Ching. "It demonstrates the power of the contract." "For me, the relationships are so important because the actors open up to you. They can ask you for help when maybe they wouldn't before." — Antoinette De Wolff , Senior Business Rep, Field Services Business Rep Antoinette De Wolff visits Ted Danson on set.