Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1506201
2 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2023 | sagaftra.org A Letter from the President "Keep your eye on the prize. I want us to come out the other side not only the largest entertainment union in the world but also and rightfully repositioned as the most powerful." Dear Member, W e are living in a historic hour and a seminal contract negotiation the likes of which we have not seen since 1960, when we went on strike alongside the WGA and from that strike came pension, health and residuals. Now, with the advent of streaming, AI and digital, once again we must stand strong in solidarity as we fight for a fair and equitable contract that reflects the new business model and our massive contribution towards building it. Experts from every career represented in this contract were brought in to speak of the experiences, injustices and grievances of the members in their special interest group. Our negotiating committee had an "all-for- one-and-one-for-all" positive commitment to each and every member represented in this seminal contract. I believe that that positive experience of unity, equality and solidarity over many weeks and countless hours that began with plenary has birthed the nucleus of a golden age for our union. I'm sharing this with you all because I want you to appreciate this profound paradigm shift. Listening with compassion and empathy mixed with unprecedented times became the secret sauce that made room for understanding and agreement on almost everything without objection. As I always say, we are a union of performers on the same side, and our only real opposition are those who sit across the negotiating table. When it was time to call the strike, it was with the knowledge that we tried everything possible before we acted upon the membership's strike authorization vote, in confidence that we left no stone unturned. Now we find ourselves on the front lines of a global labor movement. We are not alone in this battle, as there are millions of workers across the nation and around the world who are standing behind us. Our amazing negotiating staff, led by National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez, were incredible in their stand-up, no BS, aggressive stance, as they held firm over and over again throughout the negotiations on all our behalf. They did us all proud. Many people are wondering about our policy for interim agreements being granted to certain vetted independent productions. So, you should know, the decision to allow for this was thoroughly discussed at great length and voted on by the negotiating committee, taking staff recommendations into account. Ultimately, it was decided that if an independent production was vetted and proved free of any AMPTP association and that said production agreed to all our terms that the AMPTP refused, we would show the world that our demands are fair and doable. We would also effectively and strategically be dividing the two entities and aligning ourselves with independents while weakening the AMPTP members. Always remember that we are unique in our diverse membership represented in this contract, and our concerns are different from our sister unions. We must dance to the beat of our own drum and pursue our goals in a way we believe will have the best outcome for us first and foremost. Right now, the AMPTP is refusing to negotiate with us. They are punishing us for exercising our legal right to strike after the clock ran out, not from the contract but from an unprecedented 12-day extension. They are not land barons in feudal times, and we are not their serfs. How dare they think we are less than and an enemy camp they need to step on in their insatiable appetite for greed? Who will have the courage and character to stand before their boardroom and say, "We're doing this all wrong! These people are our partners and the very foundation upon which we are building this platform. We must do right by them!" Major elected government officials and leaders from all walks of life have come forth to offer advice and support in this righteous fight. We are talking to them all, listening for that pearl of wisdom that will become embedded in our DNA. Make no mistake, ours is an extremely thoughtful, thoroughly considered strategic plan. For all the members not on the negotiating committee, anticipate, over the long haul, doubt and fear will begin to rear its ugly head. You may forget that the negotiating committee and staff remain in the war room fighting for you and with great personal sacrifice. Your obligation to this effort and our success is in those moments of fear and doubt, talk yourself off that ledge, reach out for positive and optimistic support and make good use of your time. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going!" Keep your eye on the prize. I want us to F R A N D R E S C H E R President's Letter continues on page 3