Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/216003
For Members SAG-AFTRA LEADERSHIP ATTENDS QUADRENNIAL AFL-CIO CONVENTION; HOWARD ELECTED VICE PRESIDENT F ocusing on a commitment to diversity, new partnerships and ideas, SAG-AFTRA national officers and board members attended the quadrennial AFL-CIO Convention in Los Angeles Sept. 8-11. National President Ken Howard was also elected a vice president of the AFL-CIO's Executive Council. The convention brought together unions from around the country and the world for four days of workshops, resolutions and important discussions focusing on the revitalization of the labor movement. Delegates approved several resolutions, including one calling for an economics of shared prosperity that focuses on a voice in the workplace, health care for all, aging with dignity, jobs that support working families, secure jobs that pay a living wage, and safe and nurturing environments and education for children. Delegates also unanimously approved a resolution embracing and including diversity in the workplace, including people of color, working women, young workers and LGBT workers. An overall theme of the convention was the initiative to work not only with fellow labor unions, but with community and worker groups outside the traditional union mold. Among the groups highlighted was the International Domestic Workers Network, as well as SAG-AFTRA's successful work with Dancers' Alliance in securing a contract for music video performers. Speaking to delegates at the convention about SAG-AFTRA's successful campaign was Los Angeles Local Board member Galen Hooks. During the convention, delegates also elected a new secretarytreasurer, Tefere Gebre, who previously served as executive director for the Orange County Labor Federation in California. President Howard was once again elected to serve on the 33-member Executive Council, the top governing body of the AFL-CIO. Howard has served on the council since 2009. "At the AFL-CIO convention, I enjoyed the opportunity to meet with fellow labor leaders from around the world," Howard said. "The ideas and initiatives that arose from these meetings — and throughout the convention — have me excited for the future of our membership. I'm looking forward to implementing these plans as part of the executive council." AFL-CIO X2 AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on stage with union members. Far left, SAG-AFTRA National President Ken Howard was elected vice president of the AFL-CIO's Executive Council. NEWLY ELECTED SAG-AFTRA NATIONAL BOARD MEMBERS HOLD FIRST MEETING he new SAG-AFTRA National Board met for the first times post-election, immediately before and after the inaugural convention in Los Angeles Sept. 25, 30 and Oct. 1. At the meetings, the board took initial steps in anticipation of next year's TV/Theatrical Contract. In addition, the board received an update from Secretary-Treasurer Amy Aquino on financials, and she reported that the 2013 first quarter results are on plan and tracking to a balanced budget. National Executive Director David White provided an operations overview and outlined the union's strategic initiatives, institutional focus and core functions on contract-related activities, administration and support. 22 SAG-AFTRA ANGELA WEISS/SAG-AFTRA T National board members meet prior to convention and election of national vice presidents. | Fall 2013 | SAGAFTRA.org 20-31_For Members_v3.indd 22 11/13/13 1:03 PM