SAG-AFTRA

Fall 2016

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14 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2016 | SAGAFTRA.org A Letter from the Secretary-Treasurer J A N E A U S T I N "Whether you attend a meeting, take a class or simply read the magazine, each and every active member counts." That sprouted a larger conversation and working group to look at all issues surrounding diversity, which is a huge step forward for performers globally. Additionally, White was elected a Vice President of FIA and a member of the Presidium (Executive Committee), which puts SAG-AFTRA front and center in the leadership of FIA, benefitting all our members as our employers continue to expand working globally. Congratulations to the incomparable Lily Tomlin on being the SAG Life Achievement recipient. Her extraordinary talent — whether it shines in comedy or drama — has entertained audiences for decades. Her humanitarian efforts are exemplary. With Halloween behind us and Thanksgiving soon approaching, I want to express my gratitude to all the members who take a vested interest in SAG-AFTRA. Whether you attend a meeting, take a class or simply read the magazine, each and every active member counts. As one of your elected national officers, I want to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to email me at jane.austin@sagaftra.org with your ideas, suggestion or observations. While I cannot guarantee that all will be implemented, I can promise that your thoughts will be considered and heard. In unity, Jane Austin Dear Member, N ext year, SAG-AFTRA will be negotiating our largest, and one of the most important, contracts: the TV/Theatrical agreement. As a merged union, we are well positioned to speak with one strong voice across the table from our employers. In preparation, our process has begun. I am honored to be vice chairing the Los Angeles 2017 Television/Theatrical Agreement Wages and Working Committee (W&W) with national SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Los Angeles, and Board member Clyde Kusatsu. The W&W is a critical first step in the collective bargaining process as it's the only time that every member across the country has the opportunity to weigh in on these contracts. W&W meetings are taking place in many locals and, for those locals without meetings, members can send their suggestions and comments via email to wandw2017@sagaftra.org. This process will continue through early December, so it is not too late to let your opinions be heard. We need to hear from you. At present, our union is on strike for interactive video games. For nearly two years, the SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee has been trying to reach an agreement with employers in the video game industry. Our members who work in this space need not only higher wages in this billion-dollar industry, but also greater protections. The work is challenging and often detrimental to the health and well- being of a performer. It is critical that each of us stand in solidarity and withhold covered work in this area. Also, please join the social media campaign by tweeting #PerformanceMatters and joining us on the picket line in your area when asked. Details can be found at SAGAFTRA.org. I am pleased to report that the union finances are strong. The first-quarter actuals indicate that we are ahead of anticipated expenses, with a steady flow of income. Our investments have slightly increased, as the market remains fairly stable. Together with SAG-AFTRA Chief Financial Officer Arianna Ozzanto, I presented a full accounting to the National Board, which was very well received. In September, I had the privilege of being part of the SAG-AFTRA delegation attending a conference of the International Federation of Actors (FIA), a global federation of performers trade association. The conference offered a platform to address issues of mutual concern to all performers, regardless of nationality, and to propose viable solutions on how we can work together in a globalized industry. Together with President Gabrielle Carteris, Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon, National Executive Director David White and a complement of other staff, we met with leaders of Actors' Equity, British Equity and international performers' unions to discuss the problems of working performers around the world. A survey was conducted by various FIA members on the working conditions of LGBT members in various countries.

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