Itās all about the work. The work of finding solutions to the issues that concern you every day of your career. Talk is cheap, however, having something to show for it is priceless. Weāre committed to not just telling you how we plan to improve working conditions, we pledge to show it to you; both in the contracts you work and the leadership we provide.
The only constant in life is change. In order to prepare for it, one must have the ability to know which direction it is going. This requires foresight, and leaders who continuously study shifts in this ever-changing industry, to better position your ability to earn a living; today and well into the future.
Our membership is diverse and so are the contracts you work. We believe leaders should reflect the people they represent. We also believe our union should cover the variety of ways you earn a living.
No one, repeat, no one should feel unsafe on the job. From stunt safety to sexual harassment, we are committed to making sure your job is conducted in professional and respectful environment. This commitment also extends to the audition process. Your first priority is to do a good job as a performer; our first priority is to help you focus on your job; and nothing else.
Long gone are the days of working for only three broadcast networks. In the age of streaming services the opportunities for employment has multiplied by the hundreds. Our industry isnāt as simple as it was āback in the dayā. We consider that a good thing, because with your work now being seen by a global audience, the opportunities to earn more money has multiplied. Making sure that your checks reflect this new landscape is one of our top priorities in the boardroom.
Times are tough. Weāre also feeling the pain of a rapidly changing industry. Like you, our heads are spinning trying to stay ahead of the curve. However, weāre not letting that stop us from setting the best foundation possible for when the dust settles and ensure that your future is everything youāve ever dreamed. We can't control how the industry changes, but we can control how we prepare for them.
In 2008, Unite for Strength (aka UFS) was formed by a few members of the Screen Actors Guild Hollywood Division. Theyāre concern was that leadership at the time had been creating division among performers and isolating the guild, which weakened its position in contract negotiations with the AMPTP. The infighting resulted in the two unions negotiating their TV/Theatrical Contract separately for the first time in over 25 years.
With the belief that the only way issues between the two unions could be fixed, this group began its long steady journey to bring all sides together at the negotiating table and complete the desire to merge SAG and AFTRA into one unified union.
In 2012, Unite for Strength was instrumental in bringing a merger referendum to the membership; complete with a new constitution. The membership of both legacy SAG and legacy AFTRA voted, overwhelmingly, in favor of the merger and as a result gave birth to SAG-AFTRA.
A group of Unite for Strength members run for the board of directors, to offer SAG members a new direction. They call for a more unifying and strategic leadership approach; calls rejected by leaders of Membership First.
MF leaders fail to successfully negotiate any of SAGās numerous expired contracts, including the all-important TV/Theatrical contract.
As film production halts due to the lack of a contract, UFS representatives, joined by board members from New York and across the country, form a new majority coalition and take control of the negotiations.
Three weeks later, a new TV/Theatrical contract was approved by members nearly 4 to 1 with a record voting turnout of 94%.
January: In a 28hr marathon session of the National Board, (National Executive Director) and the board appoints new NED with David White.
September: Unite for Strength candidates win 21 of 33 Hollywood Board seats, 4 additional National Board seats and both National Officers with Ken Howard elected as National President and Amy Aquino as Local President and National Secretary/Treasurer.
2013: Historic vote merges SAG and AFTRA into SAG-AFTRA; with Ken Howard and Roberta Reardon elected as Co-Presidents.
Ken Howard is elected first president of SAG-AFTRA.
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From the set to Capitol Hill, Fran meets every challenge head on. She brings a fresh perspective and unique voice
to our union.
She beat cancer, founded the non-profit Cancer Schmancer, got a
health bill passed with unanimous consent by working across the aisle, and served under two White Houses.
Introducing the woman who's gearing up to be the next president
of SAG-AFTRA.
āThe future of SAG-AFTRA is streaming. Members deserve stronger contracts, more residuals, better protections, and ending unfair exclusivity. Iām supporting Unite for Strength, Fran, Anthony, and their entire team.
Your vote matters!ā
On The Nanny I wore many hats which prepared me to deal with studios and networks. I know the entry portal for maximum results. I founded the Cancer Schmancer Movement. I passed a bill in DC by unanimous consent. I am Public Diplomacy Envoy for Health at the US State Dept. I can reach across the aisle and get the job done! I will reunite our dysfunctional and divided union. We must reduce infrastructure expenses, go virtual to reappropriate for member needs. Streaming must be redefined. Diversity is a priority. I will challenge the status quo.
- Fran Drescher, Candidate for SAG-AFTRAĀ President.
As artists, we come togetherāfrom all walks of lifeāto create something bigger than ourselves. We have the same opportunity as a union, to collectively and responsibly move SAG-AFTRA into the future. Throughout my 40 years of union membership, Iāve experienced every aspect of this industry, and it would be my honor to leverage our collective power to protect our safety, improve our working conditions, and shepherd SAG-AFTRA into a new era. Our unionās funding is a result of our collective hard work, and as Secretary-Treasurer I will act with integrity to safeguard our union's finances
ā-Anthony Rapp, Candidate for SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer
Two years ago, I ran for the National Board because I wanted to give back to the union that protected and supported me for 25 years. Union service has been one of my greatest joys, and I remain committed to ensuring that every member has what they need to do their job safely and joyously. To that end, I am running for President of the Los Angeles Local. Trust me to lead our Los Angeles Local: I promise to be a respectful, efficient, kind, and productive force as we work together to build a greater future for this union we all love.
- Yvette Nicole Brown, Candidate for Los Angeles Local Presidentwww.UniteforStrength.com
A vote for me is a vote for Jeff Garlin.
- Jeff Garlin, Candidate for Los Angeles Vice President
Although the contention in the LA Board Room has been difficult to bear at times, I have managed to get along with just about everyone I work with in union service. The LA Membership had a glimpse into how I run rooms when I co-chaired the Commercial W&Ws (with someone from the opposing party, no less). Just yesterday, a member wrote to me, āI so appreciate the energy, intelligence, commitment and maybe most of all the perky good will you bring to our meetings.ā Vote for me and I will do my best to make sure all voices are heard, that debate is productive, and that all agenda items are discussed in the allotted time. Time is money. And I donāt want to waste yours. Letās do this!
ā
-Ā Katie VonĀ Till, Candidate for Los Angeles Vice President www.UniteforStrength.com
A proud SAG-AFTRA member since 1987. With changes in the industry, Iām working harder and earning less. Let's stop the in-fighting and come together. Only 21% of members voted last time! I decided to stop complaining, get informed, and try to make real changes instead. We all want the same things: better pay and working conditions, good residuals, pension, retirement, healthcare, increased diversity, inclusion, better advanced pay terms, better contract enforcement, an end to unfair exclusivity. Iāve learned a lot about self-advocating and I will work hard to make our union better for all of us!
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
Having served as Secretary-Treasurer the past 2 years, itās clear to me what issues the members are most concerned about. Itās my mission to transform the way SAG-AFTRA engages and communicates with the members, instilling pride and ownership in our union. Working in unity we can tackle the most important issues of our time. Earning fair wages, reversing unfair options and exclusivity, protections from sexual harassment, diversity, equity and inclusion. I want to leave this union strong for generations to come.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
I was honored to have served in the past on both the Local and National Boards. Now itās time to re-join the fight to protect and serve our members as another seismic and pivotal evolution is taking place in what we do. Please help me achieve that goal by supporting me and my fellow candidates from www.UniteforStrength.com
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
As a 30+ year member, I was honored to be serving on the board when we merged into one unified union. I appreciate the value of unity and the collective pursuit of the overall well being of every union member. Nearly a decade later, artists face new challenges as the landscape of our industry continues to evolve. Though weāve made great strides, the journey continues and thereās more work to be done. I will listen, learn and pursue all options that work for the betterment of our members. There is strength in numbers. Weāre in this together.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
Being President of SAG-AFTRA for the past 5 1/2 years has been an honor and a privilege. Iām stepping down as itās time to pass the baton and asking for your vote as a Los Angeles National Board member. Weāve made significant progress: reimagining our Commericials contract, securing better streaming residuals, fighting sexual harassment and keeping our members safe, developing Intimacy Coordinator accreditation to provide protection during intimate work. With the Pandemic, we fought to include members in the stimulus package and for additional unemployment compensation, then led the way to reopening the industry. My commitment has not wavered.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
For better or worse, technology is changing our industry everyday. Diversity is now a requirement of the business model. As chair of the Diversity Advisory Committee, Iāll continue to fight for better, more authentic representation and equal treatment on both sides of the camera, in all categories of work, for all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages and (dis)abilities. Streaming has destabilized the economics of the business. Logic, experience, strategy and data must guide us in future negotiations, not emotional arguments, outdated paradigms, or wistfully hoping to resurrect the āgood olā days.ā Our diversity and unity is our strength.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
SAG-AFTRA must continue moving forward. Under the leadership of Unite for Strength and its allies we achieved over $1 Billion in contract gains, $318 Million in 2020 alone, garnered huge increases in streaming residuals, secured protections for new and emerging platforms, and created new member driven contracts. We helped create the Return To Work Safety Protocols , Sexual Harassment and Nudity Protections in auditions and on set, and a 24-hour Safety Hotline. No lies, no attacks. Just progress. Boards: National/Local. Committees: LA/National Executive, LA/National Honors & Tributes Chair, Disciplinary Review Chair, TV/Theatrical Standing, Communications. For the facts.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
My passion is to help ALL members, but my focus is to end ageism and gender bias toward senior and women members to increase employment opportunities and respect for those underserved āminorities.ā As a Los Angeles Local Board member and Chair of the LA Seasoned Performers Committee, I immediately collaborated with insurance professionals (and continue to do so) to tirelessly guide countless seniors to new health insurance after theirs was unceremoniously cancelled. I campaign against ageism, including Stop the Hate. Committees include: National Seniors; LA Women's; SAG-AFTRA Radio Plays. Twice Primetime Emmy nominee, member of the Motion Picture Academy and Television Academy.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
I have been a proud union actor since 1994, working many contracts: soap operas, commercials, VO and on-camera, background, stand-in, day players, guest stars, recurring arcs and principal series regulars. Every contract deserves a strong voice fighting for rights and security in this changing market. Iāve been honored to serve as a POC National Board member. As Actor and Activist I cannot stay silent when I witness inequality and injustices. I understand the intricacies of negotiations and the diligence required to protect our rights in this shifting playing field. I want to continue to be that voice.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
Being married to RuvĆ© for 20 years and a father of five, I know how important a good union is! Family first, me second is our motto. Itās the exact same with our beloved union. We must look out for our collective family first. All members of our family! Our industry is revolutionizing, and we must embrace the challenges that lay ahead, keeping a hard eye for data and a compassionate heart. I want to be a part of this new legacy and help lead our amazing union to meet all our members' needs.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
I have been a proud, grateful union member for over thirty years, working steadily in film and television since I was 9 years old. I'm running for both Local and National Boards to listen, learn, and vote my conscience in hopes of creating more equitable and safe working environments for performers. The landscape of our business is ever changing. As more unique opportunities for actors emerge, I believe we need board members who have experience in all capacities and who can provide realistic perspectives on the potential challenges and pitfalls that could lie ahead.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
I have literally been in this ābiznissā all of my life. As a Scion, the daughter of a passionate celebrity activist, I became aware of the strength of unionizing, watching my father fight for whatās right in both social justice and artistic arenas. Ageism, sexism, racism, and wage disparity have no place in a strong workforce. I applaud how far weāve come, but am staunchly aware of how far we still have to go for fairness in our worth, comparable opportunities, and being hired to tell OUR stories, in front of and behind the camera. Diversity, not Division.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
After nearly 30 years as a union member, journeyman actor, and a champion for fairness, equity, and inclusion, it would be a privilege to serve and represent you on our National Board. Alongside my fellow UFS leaders, I will bring a wealth of experience from a career and life that has taught me resilience and has empowered me to be a voice for justice. I have a passion for our work, our art, and for our safety, which includes our physical and mental health and an unflinching eye to secure our future. Thank you for your vote.
CANDIDATE STATEMENTALAN STARZINSKI
ALISON PILL
AMIN EL GAMAL
AMIR TALAI
AMY HILL
ANN MARIE RAVENS
ANSON WILLIAMS
ARMAND VASQUEZ
ASSAF COHEN
AUSTIN HIGHSMITH GARCES
BARBARA ROBERTS
BEHZAD DABU
BEN WHITEHAIR
BILL BELLAMY
BROOKE SMITH
BRUCE WEXLER
BRYAN COFFEE
CAMILLE MANA
CAMRYN MANHEIM
CAROLYN HENNESY
CATHERINE DENT
CHANTAL COUSINEAU
CLARK GREGG
CLYDE KUSATSU
CRYSTAL RIVERS BADEUX
DAVID ERRIGO, JR
DAVID VILLAR
DILEEP RAO
DULĆ HILL
DWAYNE COLBERT
ELIZABETH MCLAUGHLIN
ELLEN CRAWFORD
EVA CEJA
EVE GORDON
EVELYN STOKES
EVER CARRADINE
FEODOR CHIN
GABRIELLE CARTERIS
GISELLE GILBERT
GRETCHEN PALMER
HOLLY PITRAGO
IQBAL THEBA
ISMAIL BASHEY
IVAR BROGGER
JACKIE JOSEPH
JAKE O'FLAHERTY
JAMES BABBIN
JASON GEORGE
JAY DISNEY
JAYA SUBRAMANIAN
JEFF GARLIN
JEFFREY LANDMAN
JEN FAITH BROWN
JEN LEVIN
JENNY O'HARA
JERILYN STAPLETON
JODIE BENTLEY
JODY STEVENSON
JOHN CONNOLLY
JOI CARR
JONELLE ALLEN
JULES BRUFF
JULIE BROWN
KATE LINDER
KATIE VON TILL
KAY WILSON
KEITH JOHNSON
KEVIN ASHWORTH
KEVIN HIGH
KRISTA MARIE YU
KYM JACKSON
KYRA SCHWARTZ
LAURA LINDA BRADLEY
LAURI HENDLER
LEE GARLINGTON
LEE PURCELL
LILAN BOWDEN
LORI ALAN
MALCOLM BARRETT
MARIJA TOMAS
MARY HEISS
MELISSA COOK
MELISSA GREENSPAN
MICHAEL CARNEGIE
MICHAEL JAMES BELL
MICHAEL C. MAHON
MICHELLE C. BONILLA
MICHELLE DUNKER
MICHELLE HURD
MIKE GENOVESE
MINDY COHN
MOUZAM MAKKAR
NEAL MCDONOUGH
NINA SIEMASZKO
PARVESH CHEENA
PATRIKA DARBO
REN HANAMI
RICKY RYBA
ROB BROWNSTEIN
ROBERT KENISTON
ROBERT PINE
RODNEY TO
ROMY ROSEMONT
RON MORGAN
RUBEN ROBERTO GOMEZ
RUTH LIVIER
SARA RUE
SEAN MICHAEL BOOZER
SHARI BELAFONTE
SHARMILA DEVAR
SHEA SCULLIN
SHYLA LA'SHA
SPENCER GARRETT
STACEY TRAVIS
STEPHEN R. PELUSO
STEVIE NELSON
TESS PARAS
TIFFANY YVONNE COX
TIM FRIEDLANDER
TIMOTHY BLAKE
TODD PETERSON
TODD WARING
TOM CHOI
TONI TRUCKS
VINCENT AMAYA
VIVICCA A WHITSETT
WILLIAM CHARLTON
WILSON CRUZ
WOODY SCHULTZ
ā
Ā ROB ARCHERĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
TAMI HEIDE
Ā JOY BENEDICT
ā
FLETCHER SHERIDAN
SUZANNE WATERS
CHARLEAN CARMON
JASPER RANDALL
DAN NAVARRO
DANCER
DANIELLE TOWNE
ā
ALYMA DORSEY
MIKAL KARTVEDT
āThe Unite for Strength team have accomplished a lot--the merger, strong contract negotiations--and they deal with change in the industry head on. Ā I support their smart approach. Please vote UFS!ā
āIn this new world where streaming is transforming our work and our compensation, we need trailblazing leaders willing to fight for us. Fran and Anthony and the exceptional UFS team are up to the challenge.ā
āOver the years that Iāve known Anthony, heās proven himself to be a person of courage and integrity, with an unshakable work ethic and a deep commitment to advancing the causes of fairness, safety, and justice for all. Iām confident in his ability to bring his thoughtfulness, creativity, and passion for activism to the duties of Secretary-Treasurer. I heartily endorse him, the fierce and fabulous Fran Drescher for President, and the entire Unite for Strength/USAN slate, trusting them to do the important and necessary work to bring SAG-AFTRA forward in this incredibly transformational time.ā
āI am thrilled to endorse Fran Drescher and Anthony Rapp along with the entire UFS teams. I have long admired Fran for her tireless activism and powerful voice on womenās health, the LGBT community, and all underrepresented communities. SAG-AFTRA members would be lucky to have someone as thoughtful, dedicated, and brilliant as Anthony Rapp for Secretary-Treasurer. This diverse group of leaders will protect our members through strong contracts and innovative solutions. Iām thrilled to lend my support for this exciting team.ā
What can one say about FRAN DRESCHER that hasnāt already been said? Iāll tell you: As funny and gifted and entertaining as she is, she is even more ferocious, devoted, intelligent, passionate and driven when it comes to the causes she champions. She is an international advocate for health and the improved welfare of human beings, a devotee of the arts and medicine, and is dogged in her pursuit of fairness for all. And this is no exaggeration.
ā
She will bring all of this to her greatest role as president of our union. With the brilliant Anthony Rapp and the equally talented UFS candidates by her side, the future of the union looks very bright. I SUPPORT FRANNIE & ANTHONY!!!!!!
āMy name is David Ajala, I am an actor and a proud member of SAG-AFTRA. Statement: In the years that Iāve known Anthony, heās proven himself many times, to be a thoughtful, engaged, and courageous man of integrity, with an unshakable work ethic and a deep commitment to advancing the causes of fairness, safety, and justice for all. Iām confident in his ability to bring his intelligence, his creativity, and his activist energy to the duties of Secretary-Treasurer. I heartily endorse him, the fierce and fabulous Fran Drescher for President, and the entire Unite for Strength slate, trusting them to do the important and necessary work to bring SAG-AFTRA forward in this incredibly transformational time. Being the change we want to see, with Anthony and Fran at the helm.ā
āExcited about the possibility of Ā Fran and Anthony being the new President and Secretary Treasurer of SAG-AFTRA. Theyāve spent decades using their platform to fight for equal rights, LGBTQ+ Equality and protections against violence & harassment. I support Fran Drescher and Anthony Rapp Ā to helm UFS to keep fighting for fair working wages, safety and equity for all.ā
These are special leaders for special times. Fran Drescher is a proven groundbreaker and consensus builder and Anthony Rapp brings a lifetime of work and advocacy to the table. Combined with the exceptional candidates of UFS, this is the team we need to move us into the future.
āPositive solutions and creative alliances, rather than anger and divisiveness. Those hallmarks of UFS have enabled us to get back to work sooner and safer. Fran Drescher along with Anthony Rapp will build on our progress by powerfully uniting us all under the banner of SAG-AFTRA. An innovative team for a challenging time.ā
"I support Fran Drescher and Anthony Rapp, and I hope all members who believe we need to UNITE in order to move forward TOGETHER will do the same, along with the Unite for Strength slate. As we as a Nation have struggled immeasurably, so too has our Union, with divides that threaten all of our member's livelihoods and our very existence itself. Let's come together to embrace our gains, strive for more, and protect ourselves as a "UNION", United together for our future. Please join me and countless others in endorsing these terrific leaders."
āHaving served in the SAG-AFTRA board room, I know that it takes vision, strategy, and fortitude to achieve the greatest gains for our members. Fran, Anthony, and their fellow UFS leaders have exactly that.ā
āI have known Fran Drescher personally for over 25 years and I cannot think of anyone better qualified to be voted in as SAG-AFTRA National President. Her incredible team, including her running mate Anthony Rapp, along with Yvette Nicole Brown and Ezra Knight, give me confidence that their agenda of inclusion and diversity will uplift and unify the Union. Ā Franās contribution to the conversation on national health sets her apart as a true leader in good times and bad, and as finder of solutions. It is with great enthusiasm that I urge you to vote for Fran and her incredible team!!!!ā
āFran knows Hollywood up close. She is a visionary who has the courage to fix whatās broken and uses her life lessons as wisdom. Fran, with her outstanding running mate Anthony Rapp and UFS will bring invigorating ideas that will benefit all of us.ā
āAs we return to work, the passion, grit and expertise of Fran Drescher and Anthony Rapp will build a stronger future for us all. The extraordinarily diverse and dedicated team of Unite for Strength, alongside member leaders across the country, is the unified force we deserve. They all have my deep admiration and full support.ā
āAnthony, is a thoughtful, kind and courageous person of integrity, with an unshakable work ethic and a deep commitment to advancing the causes of fairness, safety, and justice for all ā I have witnessed these qualities in his work on behalf of underserved communities and in the manner in which he conducts his own life, and I think we would be lucky to have him serving our Union and our membership.
Iām confident in his ability to bring his intelligence, his creativity, and his activist energy to the duties of Secretary-Treasurer at this critical time as we rebuild our lives and our Union. I heartily endorse him, along with the fierce Fran Drescher for President, and the entire Unite for Strength slate, trusting them to do the important and necessary work to bring SAG-AFTRA forward in this incredibly transformational time.ā
"With the industry savvy, legislative success and hutzpah of Fran and the experience and activism of Anthony, the UFS team brings a thrilling energy of diversity to the future leadership of SAG-AFTRA."
"I am delighted to throw my support behind Fran Drescher for President, Anthony Rapp for Secretary-Treasurer of SAG-AFTRA and the remarkable UFS team. As a former Board Member and officer of our union, I know how critically important it is to have smart, dedicated leaders working on our behalf to meet the needs of all members in these rapidly changing times."
āThough wading into the morass of collective bargaining in 2021 will surely make her miss the good old days of fighting cancer, Fran Drescher is well suited for the task.
ā
She has never been one to shrink from a fight, nor is she one to say no to a win that falls within the realm of the possible.
ā
She is my friend and my candidate for President.
ā
As is Anthony Rapp for Secretary ā Treasurer. An individual who is likewise informed and well suited to the task.ā
āI've been an actor for more decades than I care to count, and this UFS team with Fran and Anthony at the helm will ensure that my fellow SAG-AFTRA members will be able to workāsafely and with dignity and that all contracts will be enforcedāfor all the decades to come.ā
āI wholeheartedly support Fran Drescher for President of SAG-AFTRA and Anthony Rapp for Secretary-Treasurer. Iāve worked with Fran; she is whip smart, a great listener, inclusive, compassionate, full of positive energy and thereās that awesome sense of humorā¦She will do great things for our union!ā
āI was privileged to serve as the first national vice president of SAGAFTRA after we merged the unions. I can think of no better candidates for the offices of president, and treasurer, than Fran Drescher, and Anthony Rapp. We need the smart, and effective leadership that they, and all UFS candidates will provide.ā
"Iām sticking with Unite for Strength and throwing my support behind the entire team of candidates. Ā I think Fran Drescher is an exciting choice for SAG-AFTRA president. I see her as a new, powerful, fearless voice, unafraid to speak out for all members of our union. Combined with the bright, compassionate Anthony Rapp as Secretary-Treasurer, we're good to go!"
Fran Drescher is one amazing woman! She is smart, talented, compassionate & a survivor of cancer & rape. She is well aware of all aspects of film and television. I was fortunate to have been chosen to be her stand-in on the hit show, "The Nanny", then on "Living With Fran" & on the pilot of "Happily Divorced". If Fran hadn't wanted "my positive energy around her" I would never have had the joy, pleasure and learning experience she gave me the opportunity to have. Her sensitivity & support to all who work on her shows is evident to every stand-in, background player & bit player. She understands the needs of all players, be they guest stars or bit players. Fran runs a Foundation and is acutely aware of the needs of others. If elected, it is my opinion that Fran Drescher will prove to be one of the best Presidents our Union has ever had. She knows how to get the job done and done well! She'll get my vote!
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You need contracts that work for the 21st Century. UFS is on the forefront of an ever evolving industry that changes almost
by the minute; here's how.
Negotiators. Organizers. Educators.
We're working to ensure that opportunities are abundant and plentiful within this
sector of the market.
From the board room to the set, UFS has worked hard to ensure that SAFETY is
a key priority in every avenue
of your professional life.
UFSĀ takes pride in having a slate that is representive of our members. We also fight for inclusion and equal rights. Learn more about where we stand on diversity.
A union is only as strong as it's members. And it's members are only as strong as they're educated. Learn what we're doing to make members as strong as possible.
When members band together, anything is possible. We really value strength in unity. Lean about what we've accomplished when we decide to with each other.
There should never be any barrier to creating union work. This new agreement makes it easier for members to create union work.
Learn about how UFS chose to "meet anger with action" by providing solutions during a grim reality instead of taking advantage
of members during their weakest moment.
No, they are not.
Both are considered in the green zone with a long term plan to be fully funded.(source)
The truth about staff pensions.Ā
ā
They have virtually no effect on our bottom line, yet they allow us to retain top talent. Risking the loss of our most valued staff could cost us tens of millions in poor decisions and contract negotiations. Want to reduce their accrual rates? Then get ready to pay them much higher salaries to match their for-profit sector counterparts, costing us substantially more.
FIRST, SOME HISTORY:
In the early 2000ās, when SAG-PPHP agreed to cover Screen Actors Guild staff, as the union was bleeding money as a result of rapidly expanding staff benefit costs. At the time, staff benefits were provided through private insurers at significant cost to the unionās general treasury. That means it was OUR dues money paying for it. So it was a tremendous benefit to members when SAG-PPHP agreed to include this small group of additional participants (literally 1% of pensioners and 2% of health plan participants), thereby reducing substantially the amount of member dues money that the union had to spend to pay for staff benefits. This freed up money for our union to focus on members.Ā
ā
All of this happened under different (previous) union leadership but still, the changes to staff benefits had to be accepted by the then-current employees of SAG, including by the many internal unions that represent our staff across the country. There were commitments made to our employees about their benefits at that time and in the future. Accordingly, the pension benefit, including such things as the accrual rate for staff, cannot simply be yanked away. The union trustees surely understand the complexity of this issue and we should all understand the tremendous benefit to members to have great benefits for our staff at limited cost to the union and minimal costs to the Plans.
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IMPORTANTLY, having good benefits for our employees has helped us stop Producers from poaching our best staff and has SAVED our union money. In the past 5 years, Netflix, CBS, NBC and others have lured our staff away ā after we spent time and money to train them in the business ā with higher salaries, big bonuses and company stock. This is not good for members and we donāt want to go back to being the training camp for future studio executives. Having an excellent benefits package for our staff ā the people who negotiate and enforce your contracts, protect and distribute your residuals and look out for you in myriad other ways ā helps us retain them in the face of competition from studios, advertisers, law firms and other companies. If the union reduces their benefits, then it will have to offset that loss with higher salaries ā salaries that come directly out of your dues money. In other words, it will cost members more money.
KEEP IN MIND:
Staff are our representatives, negotiators and contract enforcers. Theyāre prohibited from competing for our jobs, they don't earn residuals or royalties, and they could make twice as much money working against us at a studio or network. It is absolutely paramount that we attract and retain the best possible staff to fight day in and day out on our behalf.
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ACCRUAL RATES:
SAG took a big hit in 2008 by refusing to negotiate a new TV/Theatrical contract which lost SAG members over $100 million in pay raises and SAG Pension BENEFIT contributions. MF(the same people) were leading SAG. At that time both staff and members had the same accrual rate (3.5%).
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The plans took an almost catastrophic hit due to a plunge in contributions from losing TV to AFTRA, in addition to the implosion of the financial markets. In order to keep the plans on stable footing, the Trustees elected to lower membersā accrual rate to 2% with the long-term goal of raising it back to 3.5%.
Contrary to statements about residuals disappearing, UFS is leading the way in improving our residuals structure in HBSVOD.
The truth is complicated, but itās important to note that with the markets evolving (fewer network reruns, etc.) we are focused on improving residuals in the areas where we see dramatic growth; like HBSVOD, where a show may live for years.Ā
In 2017 we successfully improved the Episodic/TV streaming residual formula.
In short, no.
The Pension and Health plans are entirely separate from SAG-AFTRA.
50% of the trustees on all three plans (SAG-AFTRA HEALTH, SAG Pension and AFTRA Retirement) are union appointed. Management (AMPTP, JPC) has the other 50%, which means agreements have to be made between both sides to make changes to the plans.
In other words, the union trustees and management trustees must negotiate changes to these plans: they are not unilaterally decided solely by the unionās trustees.
The national board appoints our union-side trustees through nomination and voting. The names of the trustees are on each of the different plan pages under the āaboutā tabs.
Being a trustee requires the member to accept personal financial responsibility for any malfeasance to these plans: it is not a responsibility to be taken lightly, which speaks volumes for the integrity that comprises our trustees.
We have past presidents, past secretary-treasurers, past officers, members-at-large and a couple of executive staff on our trustee side.
Trustees must also participate in continuing trustee education.
In order to purchase a building, we must first ensure that contract enforcement, contract negotiations, and building a solid reserve fund are in place.
When MF was leading SAG, they put the union in a deep financial hole. After the merger with AFTRA, we have been slowly and steadily repairing the unionās finances and building a reserve fund so that we are prepared in the event of a strike.
SAG-AFTRA has completed initial research and found that there are no buildings currently available that are big enough, affordable enough, and offer easy accessibility to the membership to house our headquarters.
SAG-AFTRA will continue to evaluate the feasibility of purchasing a building, but in the meantime our current lease is below the market rate and a responsible expenditure of our funds.
It is centrally located, close to the studios, and easily accessible to a substantial portion of the membership.
SAG-AFTRA is a nationwide union with 25 locals and offices throughout the country.
We always want members getting involved and taking an interest in what is going on at the union.
Our recent commercials contract is a success story, and a prime example of member involvement.
The union created the #adsgounion campaign, instituted painstaking step-by-step processes from monthly meetings, and actively engaged in member outreach to get members onboard and involved.
Result: a game-changing commercials contract which is already BRINGING ADVERTISERS BACK TO THE CONTRACT
We have recently promulgated a new Low Budget, platform agnostic approach to low budget production. It includes substantial pay raises for members and wages indexed to our master contract.Ā
The SPA (Short Project Agreement) gives member producers more flexibility in shooting low budget projects without leaping through too many hoops.
The signatory process still needs improvement and remains something we are focused on to make it more responsive and communicative to both producers and members.
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