Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1467606
34 SAGAFTRA | Spring 2022 | sagaftra.org For Members I mproving the lives of members is SAG-AFTRA's No. 1 mission, but most of that advocacy occurs outside of public view. That's why, when ast om any, one of the world's premiere business journals, selected SAG-AFTRA as one of its Top 10 Most Innovative Film and Television Companies, it was a tremendous honor. ast om any recognizes that SAG-AFTRA is making an essential impact on the entertainment industry through advocacy and breaking down barriers to create positive change that not only suorts and rotects memers, ut also reects the unions culture as a whole SAATA is fighting every day for a future that is fairer, more supportive and more eq uitable to union members. SAG-AFTRA National xecutive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland reiterated that mission when accepting ast om any's prestigious accolade. SAG-AFTRA is honored to be recognized for our efforts to rotect eole woring in television, film and media at such a pivotal moment for these industries," he said. The publication lauded the union's efforts to protect members and hel them thrive during difficult times, including calling out the Return to Work Agreement. When disruptive changes roiled the entertainment industry, SAG-AFTRA took major steps to shield its members," they wrote. It's creative initiatives like these that earned SAG-AFTRA a spot on ast om any's list." SAATA is the first union ever honored y ast om any's World's Most Innovative Companies list, which selects organizations that play an essential role in addressing the most pressing issues facing society." Some of the milestones from the past few years include: • RETURNING CREATORS TO WORK SAG-AFTRA worked with the DGA, IATSE, Teamsters, the Basic Crafts, and AMPTP to evolve the Return to Work Agreement. The protocols kept members safe and working, and allowed SAG-AFTRA to cover more than ‡‡,ˆˆˆ jobs in the Šrst four months of ‹ˆ‹Œ than in ‹ˆ‹ˆ, representing a growth of more than ŽŒ'ˆ million in earnings. • DEVELOPING GROUNDBREAKING PROGRAMS TO HELP GROW THE INTIMACY COORDINATOR PROFESSION After announcing the Standards & Protocols for the Use of Intimacy Coordinators, SAG-AFTRA unveiled the Šrst industrywide accreditation for intimacy coordinator training programs and a registry that creates a pipeline of these professionals. • A NEW SEXUAL HARASSMENT REPORTING TOOL SAG-AFTRA released a reporting platform, SAG-AFTRA Safe Place, which allows members to report harassment right from their smartphones, and a new reporting platform at sagaftrasafeplace.org. • BRINGING RESIDUAL PAYMENTS INTO THE DIGITAL AGE SAG-AFTRA initiated a direct deposit process that automates the residuals payment process, saving money on labor and creating a more e•cient and reliable system. Approximately ‹–,ˆˆˆ members have enrolled for direct deposit and Ž–ˆˆ million in residuals have been processed. • MAKING IT EASIER FOR CASTING DIRECTORS TO CLEAR SAGAFTRA MEMBERS FOR WORK The union's online Cast Clearance Portal drastically reduces the time it takes to clear performers. Since its launch, more than ˜–,ˆˆˆ performers have been cleared online for work, representing '–™ of the total clearances completed. • CONVENING THE LABOR INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT SAG-AFTRA joined with the AFL-CIO to found the Labor Innovation & Technology Summit, hosting an annual series of workshops that center around humane technology in the attention economy and the future of work. • WORKING TO MAKE ENTERTAINMENT MORE INCLUSIVE SAG-AFTRA hosted a weeklong series of virtual events to help identify, understand and combat discrimination in the entertainment and media industry. Fast Company's March/April World's Most Innovative Companies issue is available online and via iTunes. Th Th SAG-AFTRA First Union Named to Fast Company's Prestigious List of the World's Most Innovative Companies