Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/681774
SAGAFTRA.org | Spring 2016 | SAG-AFTRA 19 S AG-AFTRA partnered with Dancers' Alliance Miami to draw attention to Spanish-language television organizing at the 2016 Hispanicize event in Miami April 4–8. The annual event draws Latino trendsetters in social media, journalism, advertising, film, television and music. Dancers, actors and other performers in Spanish-language network television earn less money, receive no benefits or residuals, and have inferior working conditions compared with their English- language counterparts. To make their statement, dancers cleared a space in the middle of the convention floor and launched into a high-energy performance to draw a large crowd, leading up to a statement of support for performers in Spanish-language television. SAG-AFTRA member Rosario Dawson was there to join the dancers in solidarity and add her voice to the cause. S AG-AFTRA is investigating potential contract violations by advertising agency Grey Global. The union is concerned the agency may be trying to produce non-union commercials through 23 Townhouse and avoiding its commitment to the wages, terms and conditions in the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contracts. The union reached out to Grey Global but, as of April 28, had not received a response. As a result, that day the union issued a formal claim and information request in advance of potential arbitration and National Labor Relations Board actions. The union is continuing to follow up on this issue. The union's action inspired AdWeek's online blog to comment "In case January's stunt at Droga5 headquarters in Manhattan didn't prove this point, SAG-AFTRA does NOT f*** around." The union has long said its aim is to be "easy to work with and hard to fight," and it appears the industry may be starting to get the message. Miami dancers and Rosario Dawson rally support for Spanish-language television organizing. ORGANIZING EN ESPAÑOL H ave you seen the term "precision driver" or "performance driver" used in a commercials contract? Although these terms may sound similar, they lack the same meaning as "stunt" or "vehicle driver" — the only approved terms found in the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract. Moreover, there are a number of conditions that can qualify a vehicle driver as a stunt performer. These can include: • When any or all wheels leave the driving surface; • When tire traction is broken, i.e., skids, slides, etc.; • If vision is impaired by dust, smoke or blinding lights; • If the speed of the vehicle is greater than normally safe; • When any aircraft is flown in close proximity to the vehicle; • When an on-camera principal performer is doubled because the level of driving skill requires a professional driver; NO SUCH THING AS A 'PRECISION DRIVER' UNION INVESTIGATES AD AGENCY • When working in close proximity to pyrotechnics or explosives; While the advertising industry is working to correct the usage of these terms, it's important for members to do their part in guaranteeing the correct terms appear in their contracts. To do this, SAG-AFTRA members can stay vigilant by reading all agreements carefully and contacting their representatives to ensure that incorrect contracts are amended to reflect the right language.