Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/16674
ON LOCATION REGIONAL BRANCH DIVISION In My Opinion: David Hartley-Margolin 3rd National Vice President A s the fall SAG TV/Teatrical and AFTRA Exhibit A negotiations approach, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the Regional Branch Division who got involved in your Branch’s Wages and Working Conditions process. Each of SAG’s 20 Branches held joint meetings with AFTRA Locals to discuss issues and develop proposals regarding the terms and conditions we would like to see addressed in the next contracts’ language. Your input is a valuable resource for the negotiating team when the time comes to sit down with the AMPTP. By getting involved in the wages and working conditions process, you are keeping your hands on your career’s destiny. Kudos and thanks go out to the Washington-Baltimore Branch for hosting a successful and productive Regional Branch Division Conference this past May. Regional Branch Division elected leadership and staff met for two and a half days to discuss issues facing our members and the Guild. Te Regional Branch Division Board of Directors passed a resolution supporting the creation of a single union covering all performers. Tis resolution had its genesis in the Regional Branch Presidents’ Caucus, and was forwarded to the Division Board as an advisory motion. By unanimous adoption of the resolution, the leaders of the Regional Branch Division have made a clear statement regarding ending the competition and overlapping jurisdiction between SAG and AFTRA once and for all. Congratulations and thanks to a couple of our Regional Branch Division family members. First to Washington- Baltimore Branch member Sheldon Smith on his selection as the recipient of the annual Howard Keel Award, the highest recognition of a Branch member awarded by the Regional Branch Division. Sheldon has enjoyed a successful career as a voice artist and spent uncountable hours and money travelling the country to conduct his workshop “How to Turn a Non- Union Job Union” at no cost to our members or the Guild. Not only has Sheldon reaped the rewards of union protections and benefits, he has given back big time by flipping jobs, teaching others how to do it, and recruiting new members to join SAG. Secondly, Philadelphia Branch’s retiring President Tom McCarthy will be stepping down following more than 30 years of service to Philly members and the Guild. Tom, a working actor with a long resume, was feted at the Regional Branch Conference with a skit/musical highlighting his career and starring President Ken Howard as Tomas Jefferson. Tanks, Tom, for your service. Finally, congrats to the Philadelphia Branch on your 40th birthday! DHM 30 SCREEN ACTOR - Summer 2010 SAG.org Philadelphia Mayor Fetes SAG recognition by Mayor Michael A. Nutter. SAG President Ken Howard met with local members and welcomed new members with SAG pins. Approximately 90 people attended, including Philadelphia Branch President Tom McCarthy and National Board Member Helen McNutt. “I’m particularly pleased to be here in Philadelphia,” Howard T told the members in attendance. “It is a remarkable city, the heart of our nation and the home of the founding fathers. Knowing how you, and our other members in the Branches, think about issues that affect the union is crucial to my ability to represent the interests of all SAG members.” Mayor Nutter presented Howard with a tribute certificate that read in part: It is fitting and appropriate…that the City of Philadelphia officially recognize with this tribute Ken Howard and urge all citizens to be aware of the many contributions made by the members of the Philadelphia Branch of the Screen Actors Guild and of the pride that we hold in our city as a source of talent and a location worthy of the world’s film screens. On behalf of Councilman William Greenlee, Constituent Rep. Marlene Goss presented Philadelphia Branch President Tom McCarthy with a citation, recognizing him and thanking him for his more than 30 years of service as president of the Philadelphia Branch, and for his continuous work as a prominent Philadelphia actor. McCarthy will retire at the end of his term in September. LEFT: Tom McCarthy, with his wife Barbara beside him, was honored at the Regional Branch Division Conference for more than 30 years of service as Philadelphia Branch president. RIGHT, Ken Howard accepts a tribute honoring the Guild from Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter. he SAG Philadelphia Branch celebrated its 40th anniversary on May 24 with a ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall and Tony Webb / Office of City Representative