SAG-AFTRA

Fall 2013

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A Letter from the National Executive Director D AV ID W H IT E "We need your insights and input on how your contracts are performing in your actual work life." Dear Member, T his has been quite a year! It began with a successful negotiation of our commercials agreements, moved through a challenging restructuring process and national elections, and will end with the optimistic energy coming out of our first national convention in September. I left the convention reinvigorated by the generous spirit of the delegates, who were admirable in their unwavering pursuit of two overriding goals: one, to accomplish the formal business of the union, and two, to forge new relationships with fellow members from around the country and inaugurate a new culture for the merged union, SAG-AFTRA. The convention — my first — was truly an enjoyable experience. Through long and focused debate, the delegation considered numerous proposals from locals across the country and worked together to find common ground on a number of resolutions that will help to make the governance of our sprawling enterprise easier and, ultimately, improve members' lives. Like other attendees, I welcomed the opportunity to speak with members and staff from all over and to hear their perspectives on numerous issues confronting the union. I was reminded again about SAG-AFTRA's phenomenal diversity, and heard firsthand about the stories of what this union does to support the careers of our members, 16 SAG-AFTRA 16-19_NEDlttr_F.indd 16 and how the union can fall short of our goal at times. Each conversation was gratifying and insightful; it all led to a more informed perspective, which helps me understand what we can do better to support you. The convention also included the election of various officers. With the election of Executive Vice President Gabrielle Carteris and National Vice Presidents Clyde Kusatsu, Mike Hodge, Ilyssa Fradin, David Hartley-Margolin, Robert Newman, Catherine Brown and Dan Navarro, the national leadership team is now complete. I congratulate Gabrielle and each of the new vice presidents and look forward to working with them, President Ken Howard and Secretary-Treasurer Amy Aquino in the years to come. As we look ahead, we are clearly focused on our upcoming negotiations for TV/Theatrical and Exhibit A contracts. We will soon commence our wages and working conditions meetings and I hope you will find a way to participate if at all possible. We need your insights and we seek your direct input on how your contracts are performing in your actual work life. Please watch out for W&W notices and contribute your experience and ideas in person if you can or by email. I would be remiss if I did not include in this letter my hearty congratulations to National Vice President, Small Locals David Harley-Margolin and WashingtonMid Atlantic Local Executive Director Pat O'Donnell, who were honored with the first SAG-AFTRA George Heller Memorial Awards for longtime service to the union or its predecessor unions (see story page 64). I have worked with David and Pat for years and was simply delighted by their honor. They are the epitome of union service and dedication to our membership. I also join with SAG-AFTRA's elected leaders and many of you in expressing my great sadness at the passing of our very dear friend and board member Marcia Wallace. Marcia's talent, her comic brilliance and her tireless devotion to merger, SAG-AFTRA and her fellow members are legendary. Marcia came to board meetings with flaming red hair, a large smile and a warm embrace for all of us. She will be missed and we will work to carry forward her charitable spirit and big-hearted commitment. As 2013 draws to a close, I am grateful for the success we have achieved this year and for the many lessons we have learned that will make us better in the coming year. I wish all of you the best this holiday season. In unity and looking forward, David P. White | Fall 2013 | sagaftra.org 11/14/13 3:05 PM

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