SAG-AFTRA

Spring 2014

Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/308664

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 8 of 64

6 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2014 | SAGAFTRA.org A Letter from the Executive Vice President GABRIELLE CARTERIS "It only takes a second for a life-changing accident to occur." Dear Member, W e are on the eve of one of our most important contract negotiations: the motion picture and television agreements with the AMPTP. ese contracts are central to the lives of many members, and I believe a key reason many voted up merger was so that we could approach these negotiations with strength — as one union. ese last several months, SAG-AFTRA's Wages and Working Conditions Committee held W&W meetings with members across the country, resulting in a strong, focused proposal to put across the table in our negotiations, beginning May 5. I also want to applaud the improvements made in residual check processing, as well as the success of members and staff in producing the Just Say ¡Si! event; read more about them in Ken, Amy and David's letters. I've chosen to focus on the following event and issue: BSC in NYC I recently attended the Broadcast Steering Committee meeting in New York City. e committee talked about the escalating violence and risks to crews across the globe. Our staff discussed the important protocols SAG-AFTRA is implementing to support and protect broadcast members. Hearing broadcasters and reporters discuss their desires, issues and concerns, I was reminded, yet again, why merger was so very important. All SAG-AFTRA members are seeking creative freedom, respect, fair wages and safety. Speaking of safety… You may have heard about the recent tragic death of camera assistant and IATSE Local 600 member Sarah Jones, who was killed by a train on the set of a movie she was working on. While the investigation continues into the exact circumstances surrounding Sarah's death, one thing is certain: It is more important than ever that performers know that they can — and must — speak out if safety protocols seem lax on set. We join a production with the belief that all details and necessary precautions have been taken to protect all professionals working on a union set. at may not always be the case. It was not the case for me eight years ago when I was injured performing a stunt in a movie I was shooting. It has not been the case for countless others who have been injured on sets and, tragically, it may not have been the case for Sarah Jones. Laws and rules must be monitored, and that is exactly what our union is here to do for us. If you are on a set, have a concern about safety and don't feel confident in what is being asked of you, you must speak up. Conrad Palmisano, stunt coordinator and chair of our Stunt & Safety Committee, said, "If you're not comfortable, say so. Anything that makes you nervous, be brave enough to say no." It only takes a second for a life- changing accident to occur, and we must make sure that union safeguards are being implemented. We are looking at creating informational videos to help guide members through challenging situations and to empower them with information that can prevent dangerous outcomes. I spoke with staff about creative ways to help ensure members work safely and, in the event they are injured, are treated fairly by our employers. ere are a few simple ways you can help: • Fax your production contact sheet to SAG-AFTRA Field Services at (323) 549-6448. When speaking to our director of field services in Los Angeles, I learned of the difficulty we have maintaining updated production information because productions oen change boards and locations up to the day they begin shooting. You can help the union stay informed by faxing your production contact sheet to SAG-AFTRA as soon as you receive it, providing staff updated, accurate information should safety concerns arise. • In an emergency, immediately call SAG-AFTRA's 24-Hour Hotline printed on the back of your SAG-AFTRA card. Rest assured that when the union contacts a production regarding working conditions, they are very careful to protect the identity of the member communicating the concern to avoid any potential conflict. Take the time to know your rights. When you are empowered, we are all stronger. In solidarity, Gabrielle Carteris 06_VPLttr_F.indd 6 4/23/14 5:13 PM

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of SAG-AFTRA - Spring 2014