Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/821178
SAG-AFTRA, ACTRA TARGET NON-UNION PRODUCTION S AG-AFTRA has teamed up with ACTRA, the Canadian actors union, to promote production under union contracts. In its first action as part of the strategic initiative, the two unions are rolling out a plan to promote the value of union work to employers and increase work opportunities for members under the hashtag #WorkingTogether. "Professional performers bring immense value to a production and it is crucial that they have strong union contracts protecting them," said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris. "Globalization and technological change are issues affecting performers across North America. As the entertainment and media industry grows beyond traditional structures, it is imperative that we respond." Through this strategic alliance, the two unions will work to ensure that employers honor their commitments to produce only under union agreements. Through outreach, research and demonstrating the value of producing with union performers, the unions will also endeavor to attract new signatories. The two unions have supported each other in the past, most notably during the commercials strike in 2000. During that action, ACTRA held rallies in support of its American sister unions and its members declined to work on U.S. commercials that relocated to Canada to avoid the strike. From left, ACTRA National Vice President and UBCP/ACTRA President Alvin Sanders, SAG-AFTRA EVP Rebecca Damon, ACTRA President Ferne Downey, SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris, ACTRA National Vice President and ACTRA Toronto President Theresa Tova and SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer Jane Austin at the ACTRA Day in L.A. Northern Lights Reception on Jan. 28. For all the latest news, download the SAG-AFTRA app for your smartphone. Find out more at sagaftra.org/app. SAG-AFTRA Commercials Organizing Update - SAG-AFTRA member and commercial actor Shaan Sharma provides an update on what's being done in the union's commercials organizing and recapture initiative.