OUR RECORD: Making SAG stronger

When Unite for Strength’s first board candidates were elected in Fall 2008, the Screen Actors Guild had hit a critical and costly sticking point. Not only was SAG the only entertainment talent union without a ratified TV/Film contract, but the Membership First leaders in charge of the Guild had failed to successfully negotiate any of SAG’s numerous expired agreements. By year’s end, losses to members reached tens of millions of dollars and SAG had begun to lose a significant share of the valuable television market.

In January 2009, Unite for Strength helped lead a coalition of board members from Hollywood, New York, and the Guild’s regional branches in taking decisive action to correct SAG’s course. After making pivotal changes in the Guild’s executive leadership, this majority coalition took control of negotiations and since April has successfully renewed five SAG contracts. In addition to providing members with crucial increases in wages and benefits, this has allowed the Guild to sign new production under the improved agreements, which is essential to shoring up SAG’s finances.

UNDER UNITE FOR STRENGTH’S LEADERSHIP

• A new TV/Theatrical Contract with increased pay and benefits, ratified by 78% of members.

• A new Commercials Contract with increased pay and benefits, negotiated jointly with AFTRA and approved by 94% of members.

• A new Basic Cable Agreement (Live Action) with wage and benefit increases retroactive to June 10, 2009, ratified by 94% of members.

• A new Television Animation Contract, approved by the National Executive Committee, with pay and benefit increases retroactive to June 10, 2009.

• A new Basic Cable Animation Contract, approved by the National Executive Committee, with pay and benefit increases retroactive to June 10, 2009.

• A new Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, with experience and respect in our industry.

• A new financial plan, with important steps to address SAG’s budget shortfall.