SAG-AFTRA

Fall 2014

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14 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2014 | SAGAFTRA.org A Letter from the National Executive Director D AV I D W H I T E "However strong its foundation, a union's power ultimately comes from the strength and commitment of its members." Dear Member, W hen you receive this issue of SAG-AFTRA magazine, we will be in yet another cycle of nationwide contract negotiations. In early November, we commenced bargaining for the Network Television Code, which covers a huge span of programming: non-dramatic shows (talk shows, game shows, competition shows, reality TV, etc.), entertainment/news shows (Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, etc.), daytime dramatic serials (soap operas), syndicated dramatic shows and even certain network dramatic fare. We are also in the middle of bargaining with the major music labels on our Sound Recordings Code. This code covers sound recordings in digital formats, on CDs and vinyl (ah, the memories!), and includes audiobooks and just about every other sound recording utilizing vocal performance. Together, these two agreements showcase the diverse range of artistry and talent within our membership by providing work opportunities for a wide range of performance categories: actors, announcers, comedians, dancers, singers, narrators and sound effects artists. The breadth of talent within our membership is on display for the consuming public through your work, but can also be seen in myriad other ways, as when your union and members engage in industry partnerships across the country. Over the past several months, our news and broadcast and diversity teams sponsored and attended national journalism association conferences including the Excellence in Journalism conference, the National Association of Black Journalists conference and others, ensuring important, one-to-one interaction with broadcast professionals throughout the country. In each of these fora, ideas were presented for others to consider, wisdom and insights were shared for mutual benefit, and both friendships and mentoring relationships were built. We also partnered with the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media and the Motion Picture & Television Fund for conferences that helped bring critical attention to the specific interests of women in the entertainment and media industries. The energy and optimism of the attendees radiated throughout these events. The participants communicated a palpable confidence in their — and in our members' — ability to find solutions to persistent challenges we all face in life and career. For your staff, these are inspiring occasions that reinforce our own sense of mission and purpose as professionals who work at SAG-AFTRA. We never forget a basic principle: We are successful when you are successful. In an industry that is prepared to over-exploit the work and energy of its talent, we view it as our job to provide the support and protected space for our members to thrive, through your work and through these moments of shared communion with other members and industry colleagues. That is why, over the last several years, between the more exciting headlines of negotiations and industry events, we have stayed focused on the critical work of building out the operational foundation of this merged union. Faster processing of residuals checks, better customer service, improved technology systems: These are less exciting but essential elements of a union that is equipped to support and protect its members. Addressing challenges in these areas takes time and uninterrupted focus — two rare commodities in our fast-paced world — but we are making steady progress nonetheless. To add to this, President Howard and I have been discussing the next stages of foundation-building, which will involve a more structured approach toward strategic planning with our elected leaders. These planning efforts will allow us to take a thoughtful, long-term approach to positioning SAG-AFTRA for success. I am excited to join Ken and our leadership in this effort and we will keep you informed as the process advances. However strong its foundation, a union's power ultimately comes from the strength and commitment of its members, and I'd like to take a final moment to focus on two of our own, Sumi Haru and Marcia Strassman, who passed away in October. Both of these devoted union activists were examples of the extraordinary contributions your elected leaders make, and both illustrated clearly our members' ability to excel in their work and in their efforts to support others. We send to their families our sympathies for their loss and our utter appreciation for the formidable legacies of these two leaders. Many good wishes to each of you as this season turns towards the full bloom of autumn. In solidarity and looking forward, David White

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