Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1506201
'UNIONS STRIKE BACK' RALLY In the shadow of looming expiration dates for multiple collective bargaining agreements representing core industries in and around Los Angeles, L.A.'s unions assembled on May 26 for the Unions Strike Back Rally and Dance Party in Downtown L.A. near the Crypto.com Arena. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland spoke at the event, saying, "Every worker has a right to a liveable wage and a fair deal!" WORKERS UNITE! The solidarity extended across industries, with SAG-AFTRA members and many American workers showing support for those experiencing their own labor disputes. Workers understand that no matter their profession, our basic issues are the same: We deserve a 1. SAG-AFTRA member Jane Fonda speaks at the Starbucks Workers United rally at Netflix on July 28 in support of striking SAG-AFTRA and WGA members. 2. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland meets with other union leaders on May 3 at the WGA support rally held at the Shrine Auditorium. 3. Gabriel Luna hits the picket line at Warner Bros. in support of the WGA strike. 4. SAG-AFTRA member Rosario Dawson shows support for picketing WGA members. 1 4 HISTORIC DUAL STRIKE 2023 APRIL 18 97.85% of voting WGA members vote to authorize a strike. 30 SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland send members guidance ahead of the anticipated WGA strike. MAY 2 A strike by the WGAW and WGAE against all companies signatory to the 2020 Writers' MBA begins. SAG-AFTRA announces support of the Writers Guild of America in its fight to achieve a fair and equitable contract, and SAG-AFTRA members join them on picket lines. 3 Crabtree-Ireland addresses a packed house of WGA members and other union leaders at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. 7 The MTV Movie and Television Awards are not held live due to the WGA strike. 17 SAG-AFTRA's National Board votes unanimously to send a strike authorization referendum to members prior to TV/Theatrical negotiations set to begin June 7. 26 Crabtree-Ireland speaks at the Unions Strike Back Rally and Dance Party in Downtown Los Angeles. 31 May 31-June 5: SAG-AFTRA volunteers participate in phone-banking to reach fellow members, making nearly 34,000 phone calls. 2 3 sagaftra.org | Summer 2023 | SAG-AFTRA 29 SHUTTERSTOCK/CHELSEA LAUREN