Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/964761
TELEMUNDO NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE I t has been more than a year with no contract for the brave Telemundo performers who made history when they voted to organize. On March 8, 2017, Telemundo performers overwhelmingly voted to join SAG-AFTRA, making Telemundo the first television network in the United States where actors unionized since the 1950s. For months, a team consisting of Telemundo performers and SAG-AFTRA staff has taken on the task of negotiating the first collective bargaining agreement with the goal of establishing basic union protections and benefits, such as residuals, health insurance and retirement. As we recognize the one-year anniversary of the vote, the team is working diligently to pave the way for the industry to follow suit and narrow the gap between English-language and Spanish-language performers in the United States. "A year ago, Telemundo performers made history," said Pablo Azar, chair of the negotiations committee. "We won a union vote that defines a before-and-after moment of the Spanish-language television industry in Miami. Now, Spanish-speaking talent in Miami have a voice to elevate our profession by contributing our experience and knowledge toward our first union contract at Telemundo. I am proud to represent my fellow actors and be part of a team that is working to build the best future for actors in Miami. On behalf of the hundreds of actors who participated in our campaign to win a union voice, we will not give up until we achieve a fair collective bargaining agreement." Members of the Telemundo negotiations team and SAG-AFTRA staff take a break from the bargaining table during the February round of negotiations. AFL-CIO/SARDARI GROUP