Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/821178
For Members 18 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2017 | SAGAFTRA.org Who You Gonna Call? SAG-AFTRA is here to help you stop contract violations. But the union can't fix what it doesn't know about. T here's a reason for every provision in every contract the union negotiates. Whether it's an issue of fairness or on-the-job safety, SAG-AFTRA takes each one seriously, and enforces it with the full strength of the union's clout — but the system only works when the union knows that a violation has occurred. SAG-AFTRA reps are constantly out in the field and on set, but they can't be everywhere at once. In an incident that recently came to light, nearly a dozen dressing rooms on the set of a TV series didn't have locks on the doors. It would have been an easy fix, but no one reported it, and the union didn't find out until a month or two after the fact. Enforcement is crucial. SAG-AFTRA does not want to give producers the impression that the union will let violations slide because that would ultimately lead to the dilution of the contracts. "Negotiating a contract is only half the job; enforcement is the critical piece that helps safeguard the protections and gains our members have earned," said National Executive Director David White. To be more effective, the union is examining internal processes, assessing strengths and weaknesses, and realigning resources. The efforts have been paying off. When a call came in from stunt performers who were working on a set where English was not the first language, SAG-AFTRA was on the case. Since miscommunication involving stunts can put people's lives at risk, a SAG-AFTRA staff member traveled to the set to check on the working conditions. The union ended up insisting that a translator be provided to answer members' questions about stunts. Member education often helps bring problems to light — it's a lot harder for a signatory to violate members' rights when members know what the contract guarantees them. Earlier this year, the union sent a letter to members about their rights regarding per diems under the Television Contract. It reminded them that the contract requires that per diems be paid before the start of each workday and in a separate check, rather than included in the regular paycheck. The letter spurred numerous members to come forward, either with claims or to say that they showed the letter to production and got their issues solved. Not every issue needs to be a claim. Some problems can be resolved immediately, and often the signatory is happy to address the issue once it has been brought to their attention. What's important is maintaining the integrity of the contracts. In addition, SAG-AFTRA is aware members are approached to work off the card, which weakens the union for all members. Don't scab! Accepting non-union work is a violation of Global Rule One. The union will continue to be alert to violations, but SAG-AFTRA's best eyes and ears are always its members. To report any violations — and you can do so anonymously — call the union at (855) SAG-AFTRA. SAVE THE ARTS! I n March, SAG-AFTRA joined other unions and guilds representing media artists to urge our nation's leaders to preserve funding for the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. As a source of inspiration, action and economic growth, our country's creative arts are integral to our culture, our American identity and our democracy. Access to the arts has fueled generations of great Americans, uplifted communities and helped heal our nation's greatest divides. Cutting federal support of these programs will not only hurt artists and those who benefit from their work, it will also send a damaging message to future generations about the power of art and its place in our culture. SAG-AFTRA encourages our members to take action. Contact your representative in Congress and tell them why they shouldn't eliminate funding for the arts.