Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1535197
18 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2025 | sagaftra.org A Letter from the National Executive Director Dear Member, R eflecting on the first quarter of 2025, I can't help but be inspired by the courage, selflessness and determination of SAG-AFTRA members. Whether it's those who have volunteered to help Southern Californians impacted by the wildfires, the video game performers who have remained in unity throughout the nearly 10-month strike, or the member leaders lobbying for essential legislation, so many have been doing the work needed to make life better for our colleagues and communities. In April, the commercials negotiating committee concluded many weeks of productive bargaining and arrived at a tentative agreement with the Joint Policy Committee. I applaud their dedication to achieving a contract that meets commercial performers' needs, and I'm glad the membership now has the opportunity to review the deal. April was also a big month for the union's legislative efforts. SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and I traveled to our nation's capital to rally support for the NO FAKES Act — crucial legislation that would give everyone a new legal right to control the use of their own image, likeness and voice. This means SAG-AFTRA members (and anyone) would be able to demand that platforms remove illegal voice and image clones and seek damages for unauthorized use — both figuratively and literally taking down many exploitative deepfakes. During that visit, I wore my SAG-AFTRA pride lapel pin in the halls of Congress as a statement of our union's ethos. Even as some DEI initiatives are being rolled back in our country, our National Board reaffirmed its support for diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. When SAG and AFTRA merged in 2012 and member leaders crafted the SAG-AFTRA constitution, they wrote on page 1, "It is a core value of SAG-AFTRA that our strength is in our diversity." In a time when our commitment is tested, it means so much to many members (and to me) that we have remained steadfast and true to who we are, and I'm proud to represent an organization that holds strong to its principles. In addition to many other bills, SAG-AFTRA is proud to support the Performing Artists Tax Parity Act. I'd like to extend my gratitude to Executive Vice President Linda Powell, Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher and National Board member Lisa Ann Walter for lobbying in support of this bill that will restore essential tax deductions for working performers. Because this industry demands that working performers stay informed and vigilant, the union is continuing to pursue additional ways to help keep members updated. You can now expect to find a new Take 5 video every other Thursday which will cover important contract topics. And while you're on SAG-AFTRA's YouTube channel, I encourage you to check out the videos from the Labor, Innovation and Technology Summit that SAG-AFTRA cofounded and hosts every year in Las Vegas. The summit gives our union a chance to share our approach to addressing technology's impact on our members. This year, I especially enjoyed leading a fireside chat with V Spehar of Under the Desk News, who shared their own insights on digital journalism and advocacy work. There's so much SAG-AFTRA members can do to support each other and improve the industry. Many states are introducing initiatives to expand production incentives, and those efforts need your support. Please stay updated on what's happening in your local by checking your emails and following your local's Facebook page. Your participation in events, elections, committee service, wages and working conditions meetings, and contract referenda is essential in shaping the union to best serve your needs. As the days are getting longer here in the Northern Hemisphere, I'd like to wish you an enjoyable and creatively fulfilling spring and summer season. In unity, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland D U N C A N C R A B T R E E - I R E L A N D "There's so much SAG-AFTRA members can do to support each other and improve the industry."