SAG-AFTRA

Spring 2018

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CARTERIS ADDRESSES FEMALE LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON BROADCAST STEERING COMMITTEE MEETS 22 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2018 | SAGAFTRA.org Broadcast News T he Broadcast Steering Committee held its first meeting of 2018 on March 10. BSC Chair Joe Krebs opened the meeting reporting on the important work that journalists do for our democracy and the need for SAG-AFTRA to play a role in reminding the public of the critical role that journalists play in a free society. The BSC received updates on ongoing organizing efforts and received reports from ongoing negotiations at SAG-AFTRA shops around the country. Staff and members from the San Francisco-Northern California Local reported on the contract campaign at KGO-TV, which is owned and operated by ABC. SAG-AFTRA staff reported on a variety of grievances for members, including several related to employment terminations and disputes regarding personal service contracts. Members were reminded that SAG-AFTRA provides both consultation and dispute resolution representation for members working under individual employment contracts. SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris reported on the union's efforts to address the issues of sexual harassment in our industry. Broadcast members are engaging their employers on the subject through labor- management committee meetings. Chief Broadcast Officer Mary Cavallaro reported on union staff efforts to provide representation for members involved in harassment claims. Consultant and former news executive Steve Schwaid presented a report to the BSC on social media strategies. The discussion focused on ways for members to optimize their social media presence and offered strategies on how to best engage viewers. BSC members learned the do's and don'ts of social media to get the most views and to avoid mistakes. Finally, SAG-AFTRA Chief Communications & Marketing Officer Pamela Greenwalt shared case studies of the union's use of social media during organizing and contract campaigns. The union is finding ways to use these platforms to achieve maximum return at the bargaining table. BSC Chair Joe Krebs, left, speaks at the March 10 meeting while Chief Broadcast Officer Mary Cavallaro looks on. KRON-4 anchor and reporter Justine Waldman with SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris. S AG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris joined more than 30 female broadcaster members from the Bay Area and Fresno regions at the second Women in Broadcasting Luncheon at Jack London Square in Oakland, California, on Feb. 24. The event, organized by the San Francisco- Northern California Local, was held to provide members a forum to discuss female leadership in the broadcast industry and examine the role SAG-AFTRA plays in the changing landscape of radio and television. Carteris spoke to the group about the work the union is doing to combat harassment and promote gender equity. The agenda also included an open group discussion about issues female broadcasters face at work, including work-life balance, and offered attendees the opportunity to network with peers in the industry. As part of their campaign to get a first contract, WFSB employees wore SAG-AFTRA shirts every Wednesday. WFSB NEGOTIATIONS A SUCCESS T he union's newest New England broadcast members, producers and associate producers at WFSB-TV in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, have achieved substantial raises in their first contract. After months of negotiation with their employer, Meredith Corp., the two parties reached an agreement in late February that will deliver a boost in hourly rates between 38 and 75 percent for more than half of the unit. In addition, they will be eligible for health and retirement benefits. SAG-AFTRA has represented reporters and anchors at the station for many decades, but a year ago the station's producers and associate producers started an organizing campaign that resulted in an overwhelming vote on March 22, 2017, in favor of joining the union. As part of the campaign to get a first contract for the group, the members wore SAG-AFTRA shirts every Wednesday. MAURY PHILLIPS

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