Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1367665
32 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2021 | sagaftra.org T he room was silent as then-Screen Actors Guild President Ken Howard spoke. When he announced the results of the vote, the crowd erupted in cheers. "This is the day that we have decisively chosen a path of unity and strength … [and] we are committed to helping to shape the future of the industries. In a single day, our future has become brighter," he said. These words announced the beginning of SAG-AFTRA, the merged union between Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists on March 30, 2012. In the years following that moment, there have been great changes in the industry. As SAG-AFTRA approaches the end of its first decade as a union, there is much to celebrate in its history, present and its future. It wasn't the first attempt to merge the two unions, but this time it was a resounding success, with more than 80% of members voting in favor. It brought film, television and commercial actors, as well as broadcasters and announcers, stunt performers, and voice and recording artists under one roof. It also positioned SAG-AFTRA to increase its organizing and negotiation potential and be a stronger voice within the larger labor movement. "We stand as one," said then-AFTRA National President Roberta Reardon. "This new union will give us the collective voice and presence to … speak with one unified voice. There is power in a union." She and Howard assumed the roles of co-presidents of the newly formed union until the first SAG-AFTRA election, when Howard became the union's sole president. Since that historic moment, SAG-AFTRA has continued the missions of its legacy unions with renewed vigor. That has included innovative contracts that provide better compensation and benefits for existing member categories, as well as new contracts that recapture lost work and some that extend union coverage to entirely new areas, such as the recent Influencers Agreement (see page 58). SAG-AFTRA also has increased its reach among broadcasters, and has built an impressive track record for organizing television and radio stations. "We understood that our members and those who would join in the future would see improvement in their work lives because we had solved our essential problem: two unions fighting each other for the same work," said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris in a message to members on March 30 of this year. "Our unity has expanded opportunities for our members and all of these organizing victories mean greater protections and more money in the pockets of performers." SAG-AFTRA has also leveraged its clout to promote the passing of state legislation that protects against sexual harassment and deepfakes, as well as national laws such as the Music Modernization Act. During COVID-19, SAG-AFTRA worked to ensure members' interests were considered in the various relief bills (see page 26 for other legislative victories). The union also continues to champion one of its core values by advocating for increased diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry — and serving as an example. Within its first decade, its leadership positions have often been occupied by women and SAG-AFTRA continues to amplify the voices of people of all races, as well as seniors, trans and non-binary performers, and performers with disabilities. It is this work that enables SAG-AFTRA to uphold and honor the legacy of its predecessors. As the union continues to grow, members will lead the way in reshaping the way the industry works and forging new opportunities. A lot has changed since the early days of SAG and AFTRA, but members' commitment to fair wages and safe working conditions endures. It is that energy and the spirit of solidarity that defines what it means to be a SAG-AFTRA member. Recognizing the Past, Celebrating the Future SAG-AFTRA Looks Forward as It Moves Into Year 10 From left, SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Recording Artists/Singers, Dan Navarro; VP, Los Angeles, Clyde Kusatsu; Secretary-Treasurer Camryn Manheim; President Gabrielle Carteris; Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon; VP, Small Locals, Suzanne Burkhead; VP, New York, Liz Zazzi; VP, Mid-Sized Locals, Michele Proude; and VP, Broadcasters, Bob Butler at the 2019 national convention. SAG President Ken Howard and AFTRA National President Roberta Reardon announce the results of the merger election on March 30, 2012. BETH COLLER AMY TIERNEY