Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1530033
18 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2024 | sagaftra.org News, Information and Benefits I n November, intimacy coordinators — who work closely with performers and production on scenes requiring nudity and simulated sex — voted with 100% approval for SAG-AFTRA to be their representative union. The election was conducted by the National Labor Relations Board with ballots mailed on Oct. 18. The final tally took place on Nov. 12. SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher lauded the unanimous vote. "In these sobering times, with looming threats to environmental protections and women's equality, it is refreshing to see the entertainment industry's recognition of intimacy coordinators and their important contribution to productions and to performers in intimate scenes," she said. "We at SAG-AFTRA are proud to include this esteemed group of trained professionals as the newest to join our member body. May this continue to carve the path of elevated consideration for the feelings of safety for people and planet." "We couldn't be happier with the results of our union election conducted by the NLRB," the SAG-AFTRA Organizing Committee said in a statement. "Finally, intimacy coordinators are on the path to enjoying the same union benefits and protections that sustain and nurture other entertainment industry workers. We're excited to get to the table and call on the AMPTP to set a date to begin negotiations." Intimacy coordinators gathered at SAG-AFTRA in New York and Los Angeles for the NLRB election vote count. Shown here in Los Angeles, back row from left, Erin Tillman, Rebecca Johannsen and Rachel Flesher; and front row, Chantal Cousineau, Sasha Smith and Yehuda Duenyas. SAG Awards Dues Deadline Coming Up Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, is the deadline to make your November dues payment and any other prior period payments owed to be eligible for SAG Awards voting and to receive For Your Consideration screeners. SAG Awards FYC screeners will be all digital this year. Members will NOT receive DVDs by mail unless requested at sagaftra.org/dvds by Jan. 1, 2025. Election Eligibility Reminder In order to meet the November dues period good-standing eligibility requirement to be nominated for election as a national officer, national board member, local board member or convention delegate, members should ensure that their November 2024 dues bill payment is received by SAG-AFTRA no later than Dec. 10, 2024. If your November dues payment is not received by Dec. 10, 2024, your eligibility to run for office will be affected. Failure to pay dues may also affect your ability to vote, nominate and participate in referenda. For questions regarding eligibility, please contact SAG-AFTRA at governance@sagaftra.org. Please visit sagaftra.org/billing-portal to make a dues payment. You can also pay by phone at (855) 736-0900 (have your SAG-AFTRA ID number ready when calling). If you have a question about your dues bill, please call (866) 855-5191 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. PT). Dues Reminder In 2020, SAG-AFTRA unveiled the landmark Industry Standards and Protocols for the Use of Intimacy Coordinators, followed by the Recommended Standards for Qualifications, Training and Vetting of Intimacy Coordinators. In 2022, the union passed a resolution to create a path toward offering membership to intimacy coordinators. As of press time, a date has not yet been set to begin negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. 100% VOTE YES