SAG NV Ntl Bd Report: Retro March 2008

NATIONAL BOARD REPORT

By Art Lynch
Nevada Representative, National Board of Directors

Brothers and Sisters in the union:

Directors have a new contract and the writers strike is over, but that does not mean that SAG will sail through with flying colors and to victory on every point we ask for. Whether it is at traditional negotiation tables or in a more public and painful strike arena, there is much to be discussed and gained from producers before a new contract is offered and ratified.

The Contract Road

The Nevada Wages and Working Conditions Committee met, as have committees coast to coast and at the national level. We will be seeking ambitious contract gains we feel members are entitled to. The process is not open to the public, so details will remain tight and in the hands of negotiators as we enter contract negotiations. The nature of acting and the performing arts differs from the needs of the directors and writers in many ways, so our approach may be different. In addition, some of the advances hard fought for in a writers strike are paper thin and exist to set a precedent for future negotiations, regardless of which direction new media, distribution and the product we help form may take over the next few years, decade or well into the future.

Union Cooperation

You may have heard of the less-than-smooth transition into the upcoming talks due to the actions of our sister union AFTRA. The issues are complex and point of view depends on where you are standing at any given time. Again your union, Screen Actors Guild, is working to move forward in your best interests, preferably in full partnership with AFTRA.

Communications Access

An issue that concerns me is our ability to communicate with you, the membership. I am concerned about our inability to directly communicate with members one on one other than at a membership meeting. All communication needs to be through communications staff or Hrair, whom I trust, but remember he not only answers to us, but to higher level staff, on a daily basis. I am working for complete and open communication with your elected representatives.

Now Lets Get to Work

With the writers strike over, production will again ramp up. Some of this will impact Nevada. When work opportunities come, be sure to stick to your commitments, be professional on the set and let Hrair know of any discrepancies or any questions that may arise. Talking to any of your elected representatives will not resolve a set issue or larger contract issue. In these areas you need to dial the 800 number directly and talk with or leave a priority message for our paid staff. They have direct contacts with our employers and receive training and legal advice far beyond even the most “full time” of your elected council and officers.

We are a Team

I commend our council for the hard work they have put in over the past year on increasingly complex and important issues. The hours we all spend on members’ behalf have increased as the world of entertainment has become increasingly complex and membership has grown. Remember we are all volunteers, receiving no pay or special considerations, while working for Nevada membership and the overall good of the national membership. The next time you see a council member, be sure to personally thank them for their time and efforts on your behalf.

Thank you Steve and Lollo

I want to express a particular note of pride for your president and vice president, Steve Dressler and Lollo Sievert. While you may not see them on the set as often as they might like, Lollo and Steve work harder for all us than anyone I know, even me! Steve and Lollo are involved actively on many national and local committees. They attend often nerve-wracking national meetings in my place or in each other’s place. Key votes on your behalf have been cast not only by me, but by Steve and Lollo. Committee work ranging from New Technologies to Young Performers, Wages and Working Conditions to Background Talent is done on a regular basis by your top elected officers.

Membership Meeting

Mark your calendar to attend and participate in the April 20 Nevada membership meeting. Consider becoming active in the branch and the very dynamic process of providing government and services for the Nevada membership. And one way or another, let your voice be known to all of us. My door would be open, if I had one. For now pass questions, ideas and requests through Hrair.

Nevada Office

Speaking of doors, the hard press to regain a Nevada Branch physical office has never stopped. It may take time, but we are working toward that goal. If you would like to actively participate, again, please contact Hrair. This effort includes actors, and other members of the entertainment and information industries who call Nevada home. For now, we are in the hard-working hands of our executive, Hrair Messerlian, working out of the Nevada Branch Office in exile, at the national headquarters in Los Angeles.

Get active!