Animation Guild | We are 839 Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1521473
WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? When explaining what I do at TAG to friends and family, I joke by saying I follow the careers of our members for a living. I set them up as new members when they accept their first Union position, and then I facilitate their membership status as they build their careers and move from job to job. I'm able to do this by importing hiring reports sent to us by the various TAG signatory employers and payroll companies. I work alongside TAG Finance As TAG members joined this year's May Day Parade, they took part in a longstanding tradition that dates back more than a century. In 1889 an international federation of trade unions and worker's rights groups designated May 1 to be International Workers' Day—or May Day. This labor holiday is recognized by numerous countries around the world with rallies and marches. "It's important on [this day] to show solidarity not only with our fellow union members, but with all workers, migrants, and immigrants," says TAG Field Representative Leslie Simmons. "By joining the thousands in marching, we know we are not alone and that the people are united!" With a theme of "Solidarity is Power: The People United!" this year's march took place in Hollywood, to highlight the recent WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, as well as the current IATSE negotiations and TAG's upcoming negotiations. TAG is a member of the L. A . May Day Coalition, the group of unions and non-profit organizations that come together in the planning, preparation, and running of the event. "Participating in the annual May Day March in Los Angeles is becoming a tradition for TAG members here," says Simmons. "I'm hoping that as we organize and have a presence in other cities, that our members will join together there and march." TAG MEMBERS HIT THE STREETS TO SUPPORT WORKER SOLIDARITY. WHAT'S A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU? I've worn over 100 wedding gowns. Don't worry, I haven't gotten married that many times! For many years I had a part-time gig as a bridal model. I would participate in various bridal expos strutting the runway in beautiful wedding dresses. One of my photos even ended up being used in an ad that was on the back of a DC Metro Bus. Operations Manager, Kristal Landa, to make sure TAG financial and member operations run as smoothly as possible. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? It's a pleasure to speak with all of our members, but chatting with our brand-new members really brings me joy. Hearing the excitement they have for landing their first Union gig and the passion and love they have for the animation industry is a breath of fresh air. I also really enjoy working with my TAG colleagues. We're a dedicated and very fun bunch. ON T HE M A RCH T H E L O C A L SUMMER 2024 19