SAG NV Ntl Bd Report: Retro Feb 2005

National Board Representative Report By Art Lynch

My fellow actors;

You may have followed the major changes occurring within the AFL-CIO and organized labor over the past year. While at this time I am not allowed to write as full and honestly as I have been in the past, I can share a few key observations freely. Unions are changing and with them almost constant legal review and potential legal threats. Therefore, I am not allowed to share with members in writing many of the observations or realities I may have been in the past. I invite you to attend the Nevada branch membership meeting for an open discussion of information and to have any and all of your questions answered by the membership and staff.

Speaking of staff. You can’t get more knowledgeable than John McGuire as the senior member of SAG’s staff. His history as a negotiator, administrator, leader and union activist means that almost any questions concerning Screen Actors Guild. and in general, can be answered honestly and openly by John, as our guest at the Nevada branch membership meeting. John is an expert on contracts, wages, working conditions and the history and role of our union. I think you will find his smile, personality and wealth of experience charming and well worth your time on a Sunday afternoon.

As I asked in a previous newsletter, take time to imagine there was no Screen Actors Guild. There would be no “bumps,” “benefits,” contracts, protections on working conditions, no guarantee of being paid, no water or amenities on the set, no livable wages for those blessed with full time careers, and no wage comparable to make it worthwhile for anyone to seek a career or take the time needed to pursue acting.

There are the threats that challenge Screen Actors Guild, the American Labor Movement, employees everywhere, and in many ways the fabric of this nation, as we have known it for over a century.

The National Right-to-work Foundation, lobby and those who believe in a fully open marketplace controlled by management. Those who trumpet Right To Work (RTW) or other incarnations of similar laws, fail to understand that when there were not unions there was no check and balance on low wages, long hours, unsafe working conditions and no guarantee of timely (or accurate) payment for services. They fail to understand that the wages of the work force are what they are because employers know union minimums (scale) and to protect themselves from union organizing. There are companies in town and nationally who spend tremendous amounts of money or even close factories or stores just to keep their employees from unionizing.

There are those who have forgotten what a union is, why SAG is a union, and the real alternatives hiding in the political shadows.

We are in perilous times as a branch, a division and a union.

As a union, SAG is sound, although we may not be taken as seriously on the streets or across the table by management as we would like. Not only is there a strong anti-union movement on the outside, but also there is a division on what it means to be a union and on who unions are for internally. Simply look at the many changes within SAG, including staff, over the past few years. Be cognizant of who you vote for at the national level this fall. It is your choice.

I believe unions’ hold the torch for all workers, to keep work places and working conditions safe, to make sure workers are paid on time and at wages that truly compensate those who work for their talent and efforts. Unions do not create employment, but unions are a strong force in persuading employers to treat those who do work as professionals and as the asset we are.

As a division, the Regional Branch Division is also sound. In fact, we operate on a civil level, accomplishing great deals of work over short periods of time and respectfully debate each other in a civil manner and soundly represent our division and the individual branches at the national level. Steve Fried of Arizona is our elected 3rd National Vice President, the chair of our division. We are in very good hands with Steve on our side. The 3rd VP is elected jointly by the branch representatives on the national board and the local branch presidents.

I see in the Regional Branch Division a democracy reflecting that of our nation. We have diversity in every way, including in availability of work, in how we make a living, in use of contracts, in urban and rural membership, in our beliefs, in the diversity of union and RTW state laws and of course in a geography covering the entire nation outside of Los Angeles and New York City. We work together, though we differ, and we stand up for our members and the national nature and integrity of this union.

As a branch, we remain sound but in need of reinforcements. The closure of our office, redefinitions and financial limitations on staff and staff time, periods of inconsistent production and an evolution of our membership have radically altered the branch. Attendance at membership meetings is down, as is committee participation. At the same time the cost of doing business has risen and continues to rise. This comes at a time when the burden of building this branch as a benefit for all members has increased and even crucial importance. We cannot rely on staff to do everything. We need your input into how to organize this market to increase the amount of work available for all of us. We need to know what you want to see your branch become. While your council is hard working and dedicated, we need your participation, input and leadership to remain strong well into the future.

The realities of politics, economics and a rapidly changing industry demand that we stand up and fight for unionism, for SAG, for all branches and for our proud Nevada branch. As a board member, I carry the torch. Your president and board alternates carry their share of the load, as does your council. We need your support and your help as well.

Step up to the plate and let your voice, talents and dedication be heard!

-Art Lynch