Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1367665
sagaftra.org | Spring 2021 | SAG-AFTRA 57 F or any worker, the concept of technological innovation can generate conflicting reactions: The benefits of technological breakthroughs come with potential risks. SAG-AFTRA shapes its work, internally and externally, to stay abreast of these advancements while harnessing technological innovation to improve the member — and in many cases, employer — experience. SAG-AFTRA's 3rd Annual Labor Innovation & Technology Summit, which brought together leading technology gurus and national labor leaders in February, is still reverberating throughout the industry because it aptly highlighted the contours of the union's approach to innovation (see page 51). "Sometimes people are confused by the outside glamour of the entertainment world, but it's so important to remember we represent working people," said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris. "When we are united and deliberate, it's clear we are much stronger. That strength helps us confront the technological challenges and the changes that are occurring. It helps us recognize, shape and embrace the opportunities that are available." The rapid speed of that change means technology continues to transform the industry and reshape every facet of members' life. "For our industry and our workers, it has meant a swiftly changing work environment," noted SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director David White. "The pace and demands of work have increased. Budgets for productions have gotten smaller. People are asked to do more on a television set because audiences have bigger pictures with more pixels and they are able to see more. Stunt performers are asked to do bigger, faster, stronger stunts in more compressed time periods. Technology has allowed the lines that separated companies to disappear with profound consequences for the economy. We embrace technology at SAG-AFTRA and we always have, but we must also embrace the concept of balance and the power of collective action." White's emphasis on collective action is especially relevant in light of the explosion of streaming, especially the pandemic-driven growth in the number of subscribers for services like Netflix and Disney+. Simply stated, when HBO Warner decides to skip initial exhibition of movies in theaters and debut a film directly on streaming platforms, what does that mean for a performers' pay? Does it augur the end of big-budget movies, a reduction of wages and the closing of a residuals window? "The fundamental challenge in the direct-to-streaming HBO gambit is not the technology per se," said White. "It's that the company unilaterally made the shift, dodging our collective bargaining role in the two parties' long- term relationship. So, we are adapting to a changed landscape, understanding that technology will determine the shape of future innovative models but always keeping in mind our mission to preserve a performer's livelihood partly by not ceding our ability to exercise our collective power." Significant changes are happening internally, as well. The union's member services and tools are nearly unrecognizable compared to just a few years ago. A flood of innovation has put money in members' pockets faster and supported workplace protections. "Our union has responded to the needs of members by expanding tools