Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1512402
38 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2023 | sagaftra.org PLOT TWIST GOOD NEWS CUTS SAG-AFTRA CONVENTION SHORT I t was quite an unexpected turn of events at this year's national convention. Under the theme of "Future Forward – Union Power," the union's officers, National Board members and delegates assembled for a virtual convention Oct. 21, prepared for a weekend of considering resolutions, hearing from elected leaders and honoring fellow members — but it didn't exactly go as planned. As it was two years ago, the convention was held virtually, with delegates able to attend from home via Zoom. SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher kicked off the proceedings on the 100th day of the TV/ Theatrical/Streaming strike with a fiery speech that focused on members' unity and expressed her disappointment that, over all that time, the studios only showed up to the bargaining table for a few days. After that, members caucused and then voted for the executive vice president as well as the category and geographic vice presidents. Elected were Linda Powell for EVP; Jodi Long for national vice president, Los Angeles; Ezra Knight for national vice president, New York; Michele Proude for national vice president, mid-sized locals; Suzanne Burkhead for national vice president, small locals; Shari Belafonte for national vice president, actors/ performers; Bob Butler for national vice president, broadcasters; and Janice Pendarvis for national vice president, recording artists/singers. By late morning, word had come down that the studios were prepared to return to negotiations on Oct. 24. The mood was hopeful, with leaders and delegates excited that the studios may at last be ready to offer a fair deal. With Negotiating Committee members and staff needing to prepare for the next round of talks, the decision was made to adjourn the convention at the end of that day. The agenda was quickly rearranged. Resolutions, George Heller Memorial Awards and American Scene Awards were FUTURE FORWARD! Convention delegates convened virtually Oct. 21. President Fran Drescher, Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher and National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland welcomed these vice presidents, elected at convention to two-year terms: LINDA POWELL Executive Vice President JODI LONG National VP, Los Angeles* EZRA KNIGHT National VP, New York* MICHELE PROUDE National VP, Mid-Sized Locals SUZANNE BURKHEAD National VP, Small Locals SHARI BELAFONTE National VP, Actors/ Performers BOB BUTLER National VP, Broadcasters* JANICE PENDARVIS National VP, Recording Artists/Singers* *Candidate who ran unopposed.