Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1506201
6 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2023 | sagaftra.org A Letter from the Secretary-Treasurer Fellow Members and Friends, Y ou all are my heroes. Seriously. We are on strike! I never imagined we'd be a part of such a revolutionary moment. I've never been more inspired or proud of a group of people than I am of my SAG-AFTRA family. You all have demonstrated profound strength, humanity and resolve during a time when those multibillion- dollar conglomerates would like to see us crumble. On July 13, 2023, with the unprecedented nearly 98% authorization from you to call for a strike, the Negotiating Committee, the National Board, the national officers and executive staff convened to issue a strike of the SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Contracts and, across the country, actors, stunt and background performers and members of all categories walked off the job. The eyes of the nation and the world have been on us. As we all took to the picket lines, spoke to the press about the issues, and rallied support on social media for workers' rights, you have presented the world with an awe-inspiring image of grace under pressure. You — all of you — are the symbol of solidarity we all need in this era that demands creative and economic restitution. Striking was a decision — no, a necessity — we, your negotiating committee, did not take lightly. Quite the opposite. We spent thousands of hours collectively in the wages and working conditions process, the Negotiating Committee plenary and in negotiations with the AMPTP. The entire time, we were advocating, lobbying and championing a robust, inclusive and progressive proposal package that represented all of you fairly and justly and reflected the reality of 2023 and beyond. The demands of this deal would make the journeyman actor whole again. There are items in it that alter and update many terms that have been ignored or whittled away for decades. We, in earnest, assumed the AMPTP would agree to the modernized plan as they themselves have both evolved and enjoyed a profound explosion in profits. The old model has been eviscerated. The expectation that we would continue to witness their gains then continue to roll over and accept sub-par raises in wages, rights and treatment is preposterous. The core of everyone's concerns are the economic hardship fellow members will endure. I myself didn't qualify for health coverage this year, as I needed to spend my time in service of the union. Those of us struggling are not alone — so many in our sibling unions, freelancers, and small, local businesses are bearing a great deal of hardship right now. I see you, I am you. Resources are available to those who need it. The union finances and investment portfolio has never been stronger than going into this period in history, and significant infusions have been made into the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's coffers, which will be available for those enduring hardship. Additional support resources and links to apply for them can be found at sagaftrastrike.org. None of this is business as usual. I always hesitate to use the word historic, as, in the past, it has been used to gaslight people. However, the last time these two major unions of the entertainment industry were on strike in tandem was in 1960. Ronald Reagan was SAG president at that time and we achieved residuals for feature films licensed for showing on television as well as a pension and health plan. I am expecting giant things for us this time around. Thank you for your solidarity. You, the SAG-AFTRA membership, fuel the union's strength. This action will eventually bring to fruition a contract that reflects the members' real needs. With all of us standing strong, using our voices, and holding the line, we will prevail! It is an honor to stand, march, chant and sweat by your side as we meet in this most critical, seismic and — okay, I'll say it — historic moment. Always keeping the membership first, Joely Fisher J O E LY F I S H E R "This action will eventually bring to fruition a contract that reflects the members' real needs. With all of us standing strong … we will prevail!"