Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1512402
6 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2023 | sagaftra.org A Letter from the Secretary-Treasurer Fellow Members and Friends, T his is my first letter since being re- elected as your secretary-treasurer. I'm grateful you saw fit to put your trust in me once again, and I take seriously the responsibility of being a leader who represents all our members — wherever you find yourself on the path of this coveted career. It's essential for those of us in this profession to have transparency from our union leadership. This was a huge reason why I initially made the decision to run for office. I understand the struggles unique to this career path, as I, too, have experienced the emotional and financial strains. In fact, like many of you did, I lost my health care coverage this year. Getting members back to work after this intense period of time has been part of the solution. But also, health care coverage accessibility has been at the top of my mind. That's why it's been recommended to the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan trustees that participants who would otherwise lose eligibility immediately following an earnings cycle that included the strike period be provided with additional coverage. Our health and pension funds will also benefit from outsized increases to the contribution caps which haven't increased since the 1980s. Yes, performers are resilient, and throughout the TV/Theatrical/Streaming strike we've shown we are capable of accomplishing so much when unified, but an essential part of keeping our unity strong is keeping the communication flowing. That's why it's so important for members to continue taking part in the union's informational meetings and educational opportunities. Additionally, I vow to create a climate where you can feel confident in getting answers from our staff and leadership when you have questions and concerns. We, on the Negotiating Committee, started 2023 by preparing the most aggressive proposal package in the history of our union. Many members participated in the robust wages and working conditions plenary. If you weren't involved in this cycle, I hope you'll participate in the next one, as the W&W process is an essential part of having your voice inform what goes on the table. Though the typical duties of secretary- treasurer remain restricted to the union's finances, members have reached out to me in appreciation of my mental health advocacy. It's a cause I will continue to champion. On Oct. 20, I sent a letter recounting my trip to Washington, D.C., where I participated in a mental health roundtable at the White House. I was joined by showrunners, fellow actors, creatives, top mental health professionals, and high-level White House decision-makers. The mission? Authentic representation of mental health in film and television. I embraced the opportunity to discuss supporting you, the members of SAG-AFTRA. Mental health care is health care. As your union leaders, we see this need and we want to declare our support — we see you and we hear you. You are not alone. SAG-AFTRA has a number of financial and mental health resources listed on our website. The SAG-AFTRA Foundation and Entertainment Community Fund have been especially helpful to many members during difficult times. Know that this will be my ongoing mission. We have each other. That's perhaps the greatest achievement that's been forged this year — SAG-AFTRA members have been creating profound bonds, both virtually and in-person. Whether it's contract ratification, legislation affecting performers, or the operation of this union, I know we can count on each other to take to social media and educate our colleagues about the issues. I've been especially inspired by those who've decided to continue their activism in the months ahead. In 2024, IATSE, AFM and the Teamsters will be negotiating their contracts, and they can count on us supporting them just as they've been supporting us. When we rally behind all our sibling unions and help strengthen worker protections, we put ourselves on a level playing field with our employers. We make them our partners again. There's much to be thankful for, and I wish you all a happy, healthy holiday season. Always keeping the membership first, Joely Fisher J O E LY F I S H E R "I vow to create a climate where you can feel confident in getting answers from our staff and leadership when you have questions and concerns."