SAG-AFTRA

SAG Call Sheet Winter 2012

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In My Opinion continued from page 1 What about the other argument merger opponents used in 2003 — that jurisdictional conflicts between SAG and AFTRA would be resolved without direct competition? Wrong again. In 2008, just five years after the decision not to merge, the historic joint bargaining relationship between SAG and AFTRA collapsed, resulting in separate negotiations of our prime time television contracts. The rupture of our long-standing partnership unfolded as a public spectacle and played right into the hands of producers. SAG members endured a yearlong stalemate over our network and cable television contracts, as well as our theatrical film contract, and ultimately ratified a deal that was at least 3 percent less favorable than if the unions had simply stuck together. But that was only the tip of the iceberg. The public meltdown between SAG and AFTRA came just as television producers were making a full-scale shift to digital production. It was the moment the AMPTP had been waiting for, and the mega- corporations that control the industry began aggressively dividing television coverage by shifting new work to AFTRA contracts. By pitting SAG and AFTRA against one another, employers sought to inflame an already-bad situation in hopes of triggering all-out war and a "race to the bottom" — which could easily have happened had SAG members not elected new leadership. However, serious damage was already done. The breakdown of joint negotiations in 2008 — along with our employers' continued exploitation of jurisdictional overlap — has cost members well over $100 million in lost wages and benefits. Let me repeat that: over $100 million in lost wages and benefits... all triggered by just one round of separate negotiations. Does anyone really want to see what a future full of competitive negotiations will bring? I sure don't. The breakdown of 2008 — and the costly consequences that followed — simply could not have happened if SAG and AFTRA had merged in 2003. The question you need to ask anyone who is telling you to vote "no" is this: How does staying divided make us any stronger at all? The answer is plain — it doesn't. In fact, it hurts us. A decade of experience proves it. The question you need to answer is this: Do you believe actors will be stronger in a single union? If you do — VOTE YES. If you want to make sure we can never again be pitted against one another in competitive negotiations or engage in a race to the bottom — VOTE YES. If you want to take back control from our employers and make sure they have only one place to go for skilled union talent — VOTE YES. If you want to STOP the awful trend of our pension and health benefits getting worse while they also get further out of reach — VOTE YES. If you want to PROTECT your pension and health benefits right now, and IMPROVE them in the future — VOTE YES. If you want the best pay, the safest working conditions, and the strongest residuals for ALL your work — and a union with the bargaining strength to deliver them — VOTE YES. The members who put this plan together are just like you. We depend on union contracts and all the protections they provide to support ourselves and our families. It is essential to our livelihoods to keep these protections strong. We are grateful for the chance to serve our fellow members and we are proud to bring you this opportunity to decide. And now it's up to you. Read the materials in your ballot package carefully. Then use your good judgment and the experience of the last decade to make a wise choice about our future. We are stronger as one. VOTE YES FOR SAG-AFTRA. Onward together, Ned Vaughn 6 films. Starting in March, SAG members will have the opportunity again to register with the Film Society online and pay using their credit card. For convenience, members without computers will be able to sign up by submitting a paper application and a check by mail once the application becomes available. The upcoming 2012-13 season will kick off in T May, just in time for the summer blockbusters. Because Film Society is an extremely popular program, we urge all applicants to apply as soon as the 2012 application becomes available. Membership will close once the Film Society reaches capacity. Here's what longtime members already know: It's a great deal. Why spend $24 on two tickets for the latest film when you can spend less than $2? A $99 membership means you and a guest can attend more than 50 new and prerelease films a year (through April 2013) and receive member discounts at local restaurants. It's access to top filmmakers and actors. Each season there are many additional off-site bonus screenings featuring top producers, directors and film actors. Members have participated in recent Q&A sessions with notable performers such as Antonio Banderas, Bérénice Bejo, Sandra Bullock, Kenneth Branagh, Beau Bridges, George Clooney, Jean Dujardin and Michelle Williams. It's community. Mark your calendar for the year ahead and know you and your fellow SAG members always have a date with a new studio release. Be the first to find out about bonus events on twitter.com/SAGflicksLA. Visit SAG.org/hwdfilmsociety now for the latest updates on the 2012 application, and get ready to sign up later this month for an exciting season of first-run feature films. Remember, don't delay, space is limited. For Film Society information, call (323) 549-6658, or email filmsociety@sag.org. he Screen Actors Guild Film Society makes it easier than ever to watch the year's hottest The Hollywood Film Society 2012-2013 Season is Nearly Here!

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