SAG-AFTRA Inaugural National Convention Concludes with Officer Speeches, United for Our Future
LOS ANGELES (Sept. 29, 2013)-- The inaugural SAG-AFTRA National Convention concluded today with inspiring speeches from the union’s top officers, which focused on the convention’s theme: United for Our Future. The day capped a four-day convention bringing together member delegates from across the country to celebrate union solidarity and conduct business.
In closing remarks, SAG-AFTRA National President Ken Howard called upon delegates to take the hard work they did at convention back to their locals and continue the conversation.
“These days have been filled with reminders of what we do and why we choose to do it. We entertain and inform the world and our work can change lives,” Howard said. “We must always keep our eye on the prize: we are here to serve, to consider, to advise, to decide, and to lead – for the members. Our guiding principle must always be what is right for the members; that which serves the members’ interests.”
The last day of convention began with Howard congratulating the newly elected national and member category vice presidents. He also thanked former Co-President Roberta Reardon for her service and dedication to the merger campaign. The final constitutional amendments and resolutions were presented and considered for voting. A full report will follow.
Two video reports highlighted successful organizing efforts in sound recordings for dancers. Bobbie Bates discussed the Music Video Contract and Ellen Crawford brought delegates up to date on the new Touring Agreement campaign.
National Secretary-Treasurer Amy Aquino addressed the delegation, reporting on the union’s finances and her experience at convention. Said Aquino, “I didn’t know what to expect of this convention. I had attended a number of AFTRA conventions … But this was something utterly unlike anything I’ve experienced before. The fact is I have been completely overwhelmed by the experience and by the massive potential here.”
Aquino also acknowledged her partnership and longtime friendship with former Co-Secretary-Treasurer Matt Kimbrough and also former National Executive Vice President Ned Vaughn.
National Executive Vice President Gabrielle Carteris delivered closing remarks, saying, “What we have done this weekend – at this convention – is beginning the shape of our foundation. We have listened, we have debated, we have worked through interests and concerns …What we have done are create a framework to better member’s lives. I believe we have begun a proud and enduring legacy upon which our later generations will reflect and benefit.”
National Executive Director David White delivered a report on the state of the union saying, “We are all united, for your future and for ours. We are thrilled to be your partners in this important work and we look forward to making SAG-AFTRA even greater – together.”
A closing video took a look back at highlights of the convention showcasing the hard work of delegates and staff.
The next SAG-AFTRA convention will take place in 2015.
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Third Day of SAG-AFTRA Convention Welcomes Sec. Perez, Video from Biden, Focuses on Organizing
LOS ANGELES (Sept. 29, 2013) --- Executive Vice President Gabrielle Carteris welcomed delegates Saturday for day three of the SAG-AFTRA National Convention and congratulated Friday's George Heller Award recipients, actor David Hartley-Margolin and Washington–Mid Atlantic Executive Director Patricia O’Donnell.
Visiting from Washington, D.C. was Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez., who thanked the leadership for their work during an exciting time for the union.
“As you embark on this remarkable journey together as one, the fact of the matter is people can’t play you off each other anymore. That’s really important,” he said. “I want to thank you for the work that you do. While I go into the court of law, you go into the court that is much bigger. That’s the court of public opinion – winning the minds and hearts of the people.”
Perez went on to recognize the work of the union on behalf of people with disability, members of the LGBT community, veterans and the labor movement as a whole. He recalled the Lights! Camera! Access! program, which brought entertainment industry unions together with the U.S. Department of Labor to discuss entertainment industry to explore strategies to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Mentioning television series that feature LGBT characters such as Will & Grace, Perez spoke of the It Gets Better program saying, “As a result of your work, it has, indeed, gotten better.”
Perez discussed all member categories—broadcast, performer, stunt performer, sound recording artist—saying, “The issues that confront SAG-AFTRA are the same that affect all workers. We are one and you have a partner in the United States of America.”
Following Perez was a video greeting from Vice President Joe Biden who said, “You are a vital part of the labor movement in this country.” Discussing intellectual property laws Biden stated, “As technology changes, we need to make sure these laws mean something for you and protect what you do.” Quoting former SAG President James Cagney Biden stressed the importance of progress in the digital landscape saying, “Learn your lines, look them in the eyes and tell the truth. That’s all we have to do.”
Organizing was the topic of the day. Videos were presented on Government and Public Policy and Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity. Jeff Spurgeon of WNYC and Robert Schaefer of NPR spoke regarding KPCC and John Rafter Lee spoke regarding Audiobooks, both with a video presentation.
An interstitial break in the afternoon session brought to stage members of the National Senior’s Committee and National Singer’s Committee who got delegates to their feet for a fun musical tribute to our senior members. The committee members performed Suddenly Senior, sung to the tune of Suddenly Seymour from Little Shop of Horrors, sang a musical tribute to senior members. The song was led by Jackie Joseph, who starred as Audrey in the original 1960 film version of the musical, Susan Boyd-Joyce, Dan Navarro, Bobbie Bates, along with Ken Howard.
Delegates also continued discussion of the various constitutional amendments and resolutions being presented for consideration and voting. Complete results of convention business will be released on Monday.
The inaugural national convention concludes Sunday with reports from the national president, national secretary-treasurer, executive vice president and national executive director.
Perez Addresses Convention Delegation, Biden Sends Video Greeting
The third day of the SAG-AFTRA National Convention welcomed Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez, who thanked the leadership for their work “during this exciting time for the union.” 
“As you embark on this remarkable journey together as one, the fact of the matter is people can’t play you off each other anymore. That’s really important,” he said. “I want to thank you for the work that you do. While I go into the court of law, you go into the court that is much bigger. That’s the court of public opinion – winning the minds and hearts of the people.”
Perez went on to recognize the work of the union on behalf of people with disabilities, members of the LGBT community, veterans and the labor movement as a whole. He recalled the Lights! Camera! Access! program, which brought entertainment industry unions together with the U.S. Department of Labor to explore strategies to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Mentioning television series that feature LGBT characters such as Will & Grace and Modern Family, Perez spoke of the viral It Gets Better campaign saying, “As a result of your work, it has, indeed, gotten better.”
Perez discussed all member categories—broadcast, performer, stunt performer, sound recording artists—saying, “The issues that confront SAG-AFTRA are the same that affect all workers. We are one and you have a partner in the United States of America.”
Following Perez was a video greeting from Vice President Joe Biden who said, “You are a vital part of the labor movement in this country.” Discussing intellectual property laws, Biden stated, “As technology changes, we need to make sure these laws mean something for you and protect what you do.” Quoting former SAG President James Cagney, Biden stressed the importance of progress in the digital landscape saying, “Learn your lines, look them in the eyes and tell the truth. That’s all we have to do.”
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