SAG-AFTRA

Spring 2015

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Union Mobilizes Forces Against Non-Union Ads S AG-AFTRA is deploying a major initiative to recapture commercials work — and it's going to need the help of every member who works in this area. Although total earnings from commercials continue to grow — totaling $1 billion of income for professional performers per year — so does a troubling trend toward non-union productions, particularly in the area of new media. And the only way to reverse it is if members pull together in a sustained effort to force change. This is one of the most important issues facing the union. The member-driven effort called the Commercials Organizing and Recapture Initiative is enlisting volunteers to carry the message to fellow members, pre-members and professional representatives at workplaces, on social media and workshops. Although this aspect of the plan will be the most visible to the rank-and-file, the union is pushing forward on several other fronts, as well; this is a comprehensive multifaceted effort. See the sidebar on page 37 to learn all the ways the union is working to recapture this important work. A town hall meeting marking the official launch was hosted by SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard on April 29, live in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, and live-streamed online nationwide. Howard has stressed that only through collective action could this initiative be successful, and he challenged all members who work in commercials to do their part. "SAG-AFTRA members must act," Howard said. "Together, we can have a real impact on increasing work opportunities under the Commercials Contracts." "Collectively, we can make real progress in reducing the number of non-union productions that don't respect the work of performers and, at the same time, expand employment for SAG-AFTRA members — the best in the business," said National Executive Director David White. The initiative's tagline, "The Best in the Business," reflects members' professionalism, and the fact that SAG-AFTRA's highly trained, experienced members are only available to producers who sign a union contract. By reminding members of their responsibility to follow Global Rule One, it ensures that non-union commercials have to make do with potentially less experienced, non-union performers. The rule, which is one of the foundations of the union's ability to effectively negotiate, states, "No member shall render any services or make an agreement to perform services for any employer who has not executed a basic minimum agreement with the union, which is in full force and effect, in any jurisdiction in which there is a SAG-AFTRA national collective bargaining agreement in place." By denying their services to non-union producers, performers will put pressure on them to sign a contract, thereby creating more work for members. Encouraging SAG-AFTRA-eligible performers to join further restricts the pool of available talent, again motivating producers to be signatories. These performers now compete with members for work, while "Together, we can have a real impact on increasing work opportunities under the Commercials Contracts." - Ken Howard KNOW THE FACTS Non-union work allows producers to pay less and avoid paying residuals and retirement benefits, and subjects performers to longer unpaid work hours and potentially hazardous working conditions. Non-union work undercuts the union's ability to negotiate the best contracts possible. If non-union producers can hire the best in the business for next to nothing, they have no incentive to go union. Under Global Rule One, which states that members must work under union contracts, working off the card can result in fines, suspension and expulsion from the union. Working off the card contributes to the growth of non-union work. Pre-members earn far less than their union counterparts. In 2014, the union surveyed pre-member performers who work on commercials. About 81 percent earned less than $10,000. On average, pre-members need to work 10 non-union commercials to earn the same as one union commercial. Working under SAG-AFTRA contracts provides residuals, access to health insurance and retirement benefits, timely payment and safe working conditions. Since performers are paid significantly less for non-union work, agents and managers earn less too. Most agents and managers recognize that non-union production is hurting business. SAGAFTRA.org | Spring 2015 | SAG-AFTRA 35

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