Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/754215
SAGAFTRA.org | Fall 2016 | SAG-AFTRA 69 Senior Vice President of Programming Talent Development & Inclusion for NBC Entertainment and Universal Television Studios Karen Horne and New York Local Performers With Disabilities Committee Chair Christine Bruno at NBCUniversal's New York Diversity Week Kickoff Filmmaker Reception. LABOR ON THE MARCH S AG-AFTRA members made a great showing on Sept. 10 at the annual New York City Central Labor Council Labor Day Parade. The theme of this year's parade was Union Made, and SAG-AFTRA members, along with brothers and sisters from Actors' Equity Association, AFM Local 802, IATSE and WGAE, represented the union-made entertainment industry of New York City. More than 75 members, including a good representation of young performers, marched up 5th Avenue, led by New York Local President Mike Hodge and members of the New York Local Board. "Labor Day reminds us that many of the things we often take for granted — fair pay and safe working conditions — only came about because of a strong and united labor movement," said Hodge. "Seeing all of the children at the parade today gives me hope that we will continue to be strong in the future." For more SAG-AFTRA New York Local information, visit sagafra.org/ny DIVERSITY WEEK I n its second consecutive year of participation, SAG-AFTRA hosted NBCUniversal's New York Diversity Week Filmmaker Reception on Aug. 16. Guests included filmmakers, NBCUniversal diversity staff, SAG-AFTRA New York Board members and Diversity Committee leaders, along with diversity representatives from the producers and writers guilds. NBCUniversal's annual NYC Diversity Week took place at Gotham Comedy Club, SVA Theatre and UCB East Aug. 15–18. The week showcased the NBC Entertainment Programming Talent Development & Inclusion Department's efforts to increase diversity in front of and behind the camera. New York CELEBRATING UNIONISM TOGETHER S AG-AFTRA New York Local members attended the New York State AFL-CIO Convention from August 22–23 at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel, joining the union federation's 2.5 million union members and 3,000 local affiliates in solidarity. "The victories won by the New York labor movement this year, including raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour and stopping what would have been harmful changes to the workers' compensation system, are also victories for SAG-AFTRA membership," noted Local President Mike Hodge. "With 24.7 percent of New York workers belonging to a union, our state is the national leader. And it's been proven that in the communities where labor unions are supported, non-union workers also enjoy higher take-home pay and better working conditions." In addition to Hodge, others in attendance included Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon; New York Local vice presidents Maureen Donnelly, Jim Kerr and Holter Graham; New York Local Board members Kevin Scullin, Rick Zahn and Janice Pendarvis; and members James Lurie, Dave Bachman, Sally Winters and Christine Bruno. THE SWING OF THINGS After compiling a winning record for the 2016 summer season, the SAG-AFTRA New York softball team earned its first spot in the post-season playoffs in more than 10 years. Led by manager Gene DeFrancis, the squad found its groove after last summer's rebuilding year and were able to defeat several key rivals this time. Despite a tough effort, the team was eliminated in the first playoff round, but players and fans alike are hopeful that even greater things are in store next season for our performer athletes. New York Board member Jack Mulcahy powers a hit during the playoffs. Members at the Sept. 10 Labor Day parade in New York City