Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/72909
MICHIGAN UNION WORKERS FIGHT FOR JOB PROTECTION Detroit click HERE for photos M campaign, aimed at amending the state constitution to protect collective bargaining rights for Michigan workers. Included in the amendment is a paragraph that will prohibit Michigan from becoming a so-called "right-to- work" state. The paragraph states: No existing or future law of the state ichigan's AFL-CIO has embarked on a Protect Our Jobs MEMBERS CELEBRATE 3rd TRI-UNION PICNIC P or its political subdivisions shall impair, restrict or limit the negotiation and enforcement of any collectively bargained agreement with a public or private employer respecting financial support by employees of their collective bargaining representative according to the terms of that agreement. This constitutional amendment of this event people but all belong under one roof," said SAG-AFTRA Miami Local Co-President Steve Gladstone. "We are actors — whether we practice our craſt in front of a camera or microphone or on stage. We don't need separate unions to protect us — just one." With such a supportive turnout, the goal is to make it an annual event. The Local held at Greynolds Park, was a way of saying thank you for our members' support, and a day to share union pride with family and friends. "Coming together in person (always reminds me that actors are not only special Case, who coordinated games, food, entertainment and children's activities. Her efforts received rave reviews. proposal can be put on the November election ballot if more than 322,000 valid signatures are collected by July. Detroit Local Executive Director Marcia Fishman said, "Staff and volunteers from SAG-AFTRA and IATSE have been meeting together to see how they might best serve this effort. We do not want to be the 24th 'right-to-work' state." In a letter to the state's unions, Michigan AFL-CIO President Karla Swiſt appealed, "Help us rebuild Michigan's middle class, grow our economy and protect collective bargaining rights for all Michigan workers." "Faced with more than 80 anti-worker bills passed or pending in the Michigan Legislature, a bold stand is needed and we hope to send a very clear message to our elected leaders in November," said Detroit Local Director of Broadcast Janette Rook. MIAMI LOCAL MAKING WAVES FOR WOMEN OVER 50 Wacher, along with the former SAG National Women's Committee, set the stage for a national conversation to address decreasing work opportunities for women over age 50. As a follow-up to last year's local seminar, Wacher created a call to action and livestream seminar titled Take Back the Work, which engaged SAG-AFTRA members from all across the country. The event was led by marketing O n April 24, SAG-AFTRA Miami Local Co-Vice President Ellen and branding expert Mona Finston and facilitated by Wacher. Finston guided participants in how to take back work traditionally reserved for the 18-49 demographic. The call to action included detailed steps and suggestions for building your own brand, as well as grass-roots media rior to merger, more than 60 union members of SAG, AFTRA and Actors' Equity showed up in solidarity for the third Tri-Union picnic in Miami. The celebration, will continue to seek more opportunities to collaborate with all entertainment industry unions, whether it is for social outings or solidarity organizing. A special acknowledgement goes out to Florida Councilor and event Chair Deanna Miami Miami Local Co- Vice President and Women's Committee Chair Ellen Wacher, left, and branding and marketing expert Mona Finston at the Take Back the Work event April 24. awareness campaigns. The panel was rounded out by a lively discussion with local agents, and input from members in almost every major market on how to reintroduce the positive, proactive image of 50-plus women. The Miami Local gives a special thanks to Finston and particularly Wacher for their dynamic presentation and ongoing commitment to this important cause. SAGAFTRA.org | Summer 2012 | SAG-AFTRA 53