Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/555596
8 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2015 | SAGAFTRA.org A Letter from the Executive Vice President G A B R I E L L E C A R T E R I S "Any union member who works off the card weakens the contracts and protections that have been negotiated on our behalf." Dear Member, A s we gear up for the second SAG-AFTRA National Convention, I encourage members to bring their professional thoughtfulness and passion to the work of strengthening and building a future-focused union. As previously reported, the union launched an education, outreach and engagement effort. Leadership has been full steam ahead meeting with members and hearing about their work and their local's challenges and interests. The union is sharing information about work that is being done locally and nationally. Over the last couple months, I've been able to travel with other member leaders to many of our locals. From Miami to New England and beyond, every local comes with their own dynamics, their own issues and their own way of communicating with each other and the industry. Check SAGAFTRA.org to stay up to date on what the union is doing on your behalf. While attending a member engagement activity in Miami, I was able to log in and watch the Commercials Town Hall along with Miami Local members. Technology at it's best! While the conversation was happening in L.A. and New York, members from around the country were able to listen and participate via the Internet. Geography is no longer the divide it once was. Members around the country are equally committed to the commercials organizing effort. There is an overwhelming gratitude from the members that SAG-AFTRA not only recognizes the changing landscape of our industry, but is holding those companies signed to our contracts accountable for the work they try to produce without following our agreements. With member assistance and information, the union successfully identified 40 non-union productions being auditioned by union producers and turned them union! The initiative has been successful because of the involvement of members who do this work. Speaking directly to SAG-AFTRA's strength, supported by our tireless staff and standing together, the union is engaging the membership and ensuring these productions are signed. And, it's important that we also remember to work only union jobs. Any union member who works off the card weakens the contracts and protections that have been negotiated on our behalf. Working off the card hurts us all by compromising our bargaining strength. The union sets a meaningful standard with the contracts. Why would anyone want to accept work that doesn't provide the best pay, the best benefits and the best working conditions? Lastly, I want to thank the National Association of Hispanic Journalists for the great work they do for their membership. I recently attended their regional conference, which was hosted by SAG-AFTRA at SAG-AFTRA Plaza in Los Angeles. It was truly a pleasure to meet many of our broadcast members and future members and exciting to see the synergy between these members and our union. We recognize how reporters are being threatened and attacked — not only here in the United States but around the world — and we were able to share SAFETY4MEDIA.org, a website created by the union for reporters and broadcasters to help monitor workplace safety. I would like to personally thank all of you. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you as executive vice president and I look forward to seeing many of you in October at the second annual SAG-AFTRA biennial convention. Have a beautiful summer. In unity and solidarity, Gabrielle Carteris