Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/904648
For Members N E W S , I N F O R M AT I O N A N D B E N E F I T S 16 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2017 | SAGAFTRA.org W ith member safety among the union's top priorities, the SAG-AFTRA National Board approved the creation of the President's Blue Ribbon Commission on Safety at its meeting on Oct. 9. The member-driven commission will be dedicated to evaluating and addressing safety concerns across all parts of the entertainment industry. Some of the topics will include safety concerns, such as working extended hours, driving long distances to the workplace and inclement weather protection. The findings from these discussions will then be brought to the attention of the studios and producers, from AMPTP companies to independents. "Each of us has a fundamental right to safety in the workplace and to be treated with dignity and respect," said Carteris. "There is more to be done by all of us to ensure the safety of all performers working in our industry. If members see unsafe activity or feel threatened, please contact the union and our professional staff will do everything they can to assist." Over the past several months, the union has been actively reviewing safety incidents that have taken place in the United States and Canada, including recent visits to the sets of The Walking Dead, Deadpool 2 and Riverdale. These reviews are ongoing. While the union is working to hold producers accountable, SAG-AFTRA is also being proactive. In the recent TV/Theatrical and New Media Contracts, these efforts led to a safe travel commitment from management to provide either transportation or lodging to performers who do not believe they can drive themselves safely due to exhaustion or inclement weather. In addition, SAG-AFTRA secured agreement to have safety meetings with the individual studios to review, discuss and assess safety considerations across the industry. These meetings are underway. Members can call the SAG-AFTRA Safety Hotline to report working conditions violations, issues involving minors or to report concerns about hazardous conditions. Your union also wants to hear from you about discrimination, harassment and other inappropriate behavior. If you are being coerced or threatened or simply feel that a situation is not right or is uncomfortable, it is your right to speak out. Call (844) SAFER SET — (844) 723-3773 — to report emergency on-set safety issues or harassment. You can also find this number and a non-emergency contact number on the back of your membership card and on your member app. Day or night, a dedicated SAG-AFTRA rep will be notified to help address your concerns. "Our industry has undergone significant change and it only makes sense to review our safety practices to ensure the well- being of our members and others on set," Carteris said. Your Safety is SAG-AFTRA's Priority (844) SAFER SET