Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1512402
sagaftra.org | Fall/Winter 2023 | SAG-AFTRA 3 A Letter from the President "The TV/Theatrical/Streaming 2023 contract will long be remembered as 'The Billion-Dollar Deal.'" Dear Member, W ith the holiday season well under way, I think this is a good time to reflect on the enormous experience we all just went through together. A convergence of elements came into focus that turned our union into a force to be reckoned with! Both National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and I were determined to make this contract a seminal one. I brought my New York chutzpah into the mix, declaring, "We're not peons, we're partners!" And, along with the greatest, most representational, co-supportive group of intelligent members who all work the contract, our Negotiating Committee was forged. Over thousands of hours, we lived, breathed, argued, wept and debated over every decision on behalf of all of you, the member body. We followed The Fran Plan and became a non-partisan family where all were equal, all were heard, and time and patience became the "Secret Sauce"! We knew this was a historic time and an inflection point. New revenue for streaming was imperative. Unregulated AI needed barricades. Out-of-control casting abuses required restrictions, and background talent and performers alike needed to catch up to inflation with their minimum rates. And for all of that and so much MORE, we passionately fought for 35 days of negotiations. Although some advancements were made, it was not anywhere near enough, and so, with the largest strike authorization vote in our union's history and full support of our National Board, we declared a strike for the first time in 43 years on this contract! And so began the "Hot Labor Summer." Enter the strike captains! This unwavering group of unsung heroes led the charge at the picket lines, both in Los Angeles and New York. Days turned into weeks and weeks into months, but these fearless fighters became our generals on the battlefield front lines. Our tenacity ignited a workers movement around the world. It was like The Emperor's New Clothes. We had the courage to speak our truth that rang like a bell and awakened labor everywhere out of a quiet desperation. So, after every trick in the AMPTP book was played to no avail, they finally leaned in farther than they ever expected to and, with great member struggle and sacrifice, came victory! We entered as the largest entertainment union in the world and, 118 days later, walked away also the most powerful. The tides have changed, we have changed. Never again to be treated like peons, but now and forever thought of as partners. The TV/Theatrical/Streaming 2023 contract will long be remembered as "The Billion-Dollar Deal." Thanks to Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer Pam Greenwalt, our hardworking staff and — especially — all of you for your resolve and belief in your Negotiating Committee. We couldn't have done it without you! May we all enjoy a well-deserved happy and healthy holiday season! In solidarity, Fran Drescher F R A N D R E S C H E R