This afternoon I sat in on the first ever online streaming informational “members only” meeting held by the SAG-AFTRA brass about the proposed merger of the two performers unions, AFTRA and SAG. There was a nifty dual feed from New York and LA. Thank you, technology!
Discussion covered:
- Approval of 2/3 majority is needed for passage.
- Ballots, which mail Monday 2/27, must be in by March 30th.
- Basically 7 corporations control the work we do. Merger will give better bargaining leverage to the union.
- Merger will address those actors pensions which are split by earnings in 2 different unions, by having one new pension plan. Instead of earnings dilution, more members will be better able to qualify for health & retirement benefits.
- Initiation fee under the new open union will be $3000.00, most probably attracting those who are serious, not “hobbyists”,
- Base dues will be $198
- There is a convention planned for 2013 in Los Angeles
- There is an anti-merger lawsuit that’s been filed against SAG and its officers to nullify the election results. The sentiment is
that the suit has no merit and has been instigated by members who decided to go through the courts rather than bring their concerns to the union.
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