Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1541667
sagaftra.org | Fall/Winter 2025 | SAG-AFTRA 75 O ver the last few years, SAG-AFTRA has been a leading voice in all corners of entertainment and media. The solidarity and engagement of union leaders and members on the national and global stage have led to significant victories both within the industry and in the larger labor movement. It was this spirit of camaraderie that marked President Sean Astin's day one greeting at SAG-AFTRA's 2025 biennial national convention, which took place virtually from Oct. 25–27. During his welcoming remarks to the more than 400-person delegation, composed of members of the SAG-AFTRA National Board along with elected individuals across the union's 25 locals, he reflected on the union's work and the importance of member participation in its mission. "Let it not be misunderstood for a second by any of us that our union is a leader in the labor movement in America," said Astin. "We are a very [strong] voice. Our visibility, our size, the issues that we take on and the fact that we are [involved] in things like public policy and making and writing legislation ... makes us very powerful. "I'm proud to be serving with all of you," he continued. "This convention demonstrates to me that we are an engaged group, and we want to do the work of helping improve the lives and circumstances of our members." The convention's theme of "Connect •Engage • Empower" was symbolized through the image of three crescents encircling the union's logo. The turquoise crescent symbolizes the union's commitment to protecting members in the workplace and beyond; the gold, their collective spirit; and the blue, the continued support members receive from the union throughout every stage of their career. Together, the crescents showcased how the diverse elements of the union complement each other and combine to create forward momentum for its members and the industry. With the stage set, the collective began the first order of business: national vice president elections. Linda Powell was reelected as executive vice president; Lisa Ann Walter as vice president, Los Angeles; Ezra Knight as vice president, New York; Nikki Izanec as vice president, mid-sized locals; Suzanne Burkhead as vice president, small locals; Shari Belafonte as vice president, actors/performers; Bob Butler as vice president, broadcasters; and Fletcher Sheridan as vice president; singers/recording artists. On Oct. 26, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland gave his report on the state of the union. He discussed legislative progress, including the union's support for the federal NO FAKES Act and other bills across the nation designed to protect performers' rights and ensure fair treatment in an evolving digital landscape. He also spoke on the creation of the Success Bonus Distribution Fund, the first-ever secondary source of income for union performers working on successful made-for-streaming shows, as well as the new Interactive Media (Video Game) Agreement, the Telemundo contract and the updated Commercials Contracts. Crabtree-Ireland also discussed the new agreement with Nickelodeon, the updated Network Television Code, a tentative agreement on the Corporate/ Educational and Non-Broadcast Contract, and the introduction of the new Verticals Agreement. "The union intends to ensure that human-centered creativity continues to flourish in the age of A.I. Our contracts will ensure members are always compensated for the use of their work, and our legislative strategy aims to make sure no one can use an individual's likeness or voice without consent," said Crabtree-Ireland, citing the union's legislative and advocacy work on federal and state A.I. protections, production incentives and initiatives to secure fair compensation for performers across all sectors. SAG-AFTRA Foundation Chief Operating Officer Charlotte Wells was a special guest speaker during the presentation. She highlighted the Foundation's programs and services Clockwise from top left, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland shares a Zoom screen with President Sean Astin; Secretary-Treasurer Michelle Hurd; and Executive Vice President Linda Powell at the virtual SAG-AFTRA convention in October.