SAG-AFTRA

Winter 2021

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8 SAG-AFTRA | Winter 2021 | sagaftra.org G A B R I E L L E C A R T E R I S "Only through our collective voice and unity of purpose can we continue to make real, measurable and meaningful progress for our members." Dear Member, T hese have been extremely challenging times for all of us. Our entire performers' community and our larger global community endured a year like no other in recent memory. e pandemic tested our spirits and sometimes exhausted our goodwill. From a near-shutdown of our industry to the massive shift to working from home for most of our staff team, we have faced a completely changed environment. For many, isolation and economic uncertainty have added an additional layer of trauma. As I reflect on these past months and look toward the new year, three things come to mind that have sustained us in 2020 and which will help move us forward in 2021: resilience, solidarity and concern for each other. This helped us to create a detailed framework of safety protocols, allowing our members to return to safer work- places. The agreement was created through a painstaking and collaborative process with our sister unions Directors Guild of America, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Basic Crafts, nationally recognized medical and scientific experts and in tandem with our employers. The goal was to make sure every member of every union could go back to work as safely as possible. It has been a remarkable success, and it is imperative that we do not waiver if we are to continue to work and keep the industry open. Research in New York and Los Angeles shows the rate of infection is far below the national average. We resolved a disagreement with Actors' Equity Association. Through collaboration and understanding, we were able to negotiate and preserve SAG-AFTRA's historic jurisdiction in recorded and broadcast media in all its forms. It's a major accomplishment that resolves the jurisdictional dispute and codifies a clear understanding of our settled jurisdiction going forward. In the midst of significant social and political upheaval, we continued our union's historic role combating inequity and injustice. From supporting Black Lives Matter to speaking up to end performers' exposure to sexual misconduct, we have made great strides for our members and our broader community. And, we shall continue on. Though vaccine distribution is around the corner, we are still in the midst of a virus surge. People are feeling isolated and vulnerable and day after day our country, its values and even our union are under attack. Rampant anti-unionism is coming at us from outside and fearmongering and misinformation are attacking us from within. We need each other now more than ever. Only through our collective voice and unity of purpose can we continue to make real, measurable and meaningful progress for our members. Stand strong. Don't accept unfounded accusations as truth. In a world of alternative facts, the only way to ensure accurate information is to hear from the experts rather than some outside source that has no standards or procedures for ensuring accuracy. Cory Booker said it best: "We don't always have to agree, but we must empower each other, we must find the common ground, we must build bridges across our differences to pursue the common good. Toast to the common good, which is needed more now than ever." Industry moves to day-and-date product releases on movie screens and streaming screens will recast the way we work for decades to come. There is a battle before us. We are fighting in real time to protect our members and our contracts. We will only win if we stop our infighting and turn away from self-serving actions that weaken our collective. I know this has been unimaginably hard on so many of us, and I thank you for your courage, your strength and your trust. Here's to a safe and healthy 2021. Strength in unity, Gabrielle Carteris

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