Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/716514
10 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2016 | SAGAFTRA.org A Letter from the Secretary-Treasurer J A N E A U S T I N "Prior to making decisions, I seek opinion and advice from varying constituents, often setting aside my own personal views." received an unqualified result, the best outcome possible. The National Board also received the fourth-quarter fiscal year-end 2016 actuals, which showed our union tracking above budget in revenue and below budget in expenses, for a variance of $8.3 million in surplus. In September, SAG-AFTRA is beginning the wages and working conditions meetings nationwide for the upcoming 2017 TV/Theatrical collective bargaining negotiations. I strongly encourage all members to attend and participate in these meetings in their locals, as it is the best way to let your voice and concerns be heard and be counted. We need to hear from all members on what issues are most important to you. In solidarity, Jane Austin Dear Member, I t has been a year since you entrusted me to be your national officer. During the past 12 months, I have gained quite a bit of insight into leadership. I have seen both positive and negative impact derived from the way one leads. I have seen collaboration and detachment. My philosophy is to be inclusive, especially given the expansive needs of our diverse membership. In my view, a good leader solicits input and opinion from other elected representatives and has the same respect and faith given to those elected by the members who voted for them. Prior to making decisions, I seek opinion and advice from varying constituents, often setting aside my own personal views. I frequently call upon other union leaders for their counsel to help formulate the best plan of approach. This process, I believe, is serving our union well. I believe that all union leadership should follow suit. Officers, national and local board directors, delegates, committee chairs and committee members are all volunteers. We do not get paid for our service. We serve because we want to make a difference for the members. When we are not included in important decisions or restrained from serving our members to the best of our ability, it is tremendously frustrating. As you know, contract enforcement is very high on my priority list. The contract department is moving forward with developing tools that members will have at their fingertips to educate them on all contracts as well as serve as a valuable tool on the set. The Background Committee and department have recently published a digest that is available in print and on the website. Soon, the Stunt & Safety Committee, along with staff, will develop a "one-sheet" that has the top contract violations listed and clear explanations of contract provisions. These terms are applicable to all performers that work the contracts. At the national plenary in July, Chief Financial Officer Arianna Ozzanto and I presented the findings of our annual audit from PricewaterhouseCoopers. I am pleased to report that SAG-AFTRA