Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1280987
10 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2020 | sagaftra.org G A B R I E L L E C A R T E R I S "In the midst of the pandemic, we negotiated the highest-valued contract in our history." Dear Member, I t is rare when a disruptive national crisis grips every corner of the nation and completely imposes its will on an organization's mission and day-to-day work. at is the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our union: over the past months, we have been focused each day on steps to protect our members' safety and health, get back to work and strengthen our position for the future. Government institutions, businesses and individuals have all struggled to cope with the disruption the pandemic has caused. So, SAG-AFTRA and its allies fought hard to ensure that extra unemployment benefits were dispersed to millions of people and that everyone would be eligible for full benefits — including those who might fall outside traditional unemployment criteria, such as SAG-AFTRA members. During a global pandemic, with increasing health care costs and at a time when many of us have little or no income, the need for health care alternatives has never been more important. Our union, along with many other organizations, is looking for options to lighten this painful burden for those of us who may fall out of coverage. At the same time, we are edging slowly toward a careful reopening of the industry — with an emphasis on the word "careful." Like many of you, I want to work, but I need to feel confident that I can accept a role without compromising my health and safety. So, together with our sister unions and guilds, we've compiled The Safe Way Forward, a roadmap to ensure employers follow stringent protocols on sets and in studios in order to create a lower-risk environment in which we can perform our craft. In the midst of the pandemic, we negotiated the highest-valued contract in our history — a $318 million TV/ Theatrical agreement — with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, our employers. The dollar benefit on streaming residuals alone will climb by 26%–45%, ensuring a vibrant residual stream for generations to come. We also achieved never-before-seen protections for simulated sex scenes and hyper-exposed work. This contract sets the stage for future achievements. I want to thank everyone for their commitment and participation. The ability to set our destiny comes with exercising our democratic right to vote. With uncertain economic times ahead, we also had to make tough choices to streamline our internal operations. That has meant laying off or furloughing staff members who have been incredible advocates and friends. All of these steps, difficult as they have been, are designed to make sure that SAG-AFTRA remains on a stable footing. None of us can predict the path the pandemic will impose upon us. But, if we are strategic and if we engage and figuratively embrace each other, we will emerge united and prepared for the challenges ahead. Strength in unity, Gabrielle Carteris