Support a Smart SAG/AFTRA Merger!

Forgive me for a while if you're not a member of SAG (Screen Actors Guild) or AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists)...  I am a proud #unionmember of both.  For many years, there has been a hot debate on the merger of these very different performers' collective bargaining organizations. The heat rose past the boiling point, creating factions and even a two-party system within SAG.  (Was this an inevitable reaction to the success of America's two party system in eliminating independent thought and original ideas from politics?)  

Years ago, I wrote to the then pro-merger powers in SAG, asking what the merger would mean.  As a vested member of both organizations, would the retirements amounts promised from each be combined?  Would the benefits of the better insurance plan (SAG's) prevail?  The response (which has not changed in the years the followed) was: "We'll deal with those issues after we merge."  After.    The response to others' questions was the same.   ...Eventually the survivors of the pro-answers faction dropped their 'party,' but are still focused on common sense.

A message from Esai Morales, William Mapother, Scott Bakula, Valerie Harper, George Coe and David Jolliffe said:

"Every day, SAG members from Hollywood are asking questions about merger. Our answer, 'Let's make sure a merger benefits all Screen Actor's Guild members.' The usual response from the ruling majority of the SAG board?: “We’ll deal with that once merger happens.” Is that answer good enough?  We don’t think so.  Therefore, we’ll demand that before you’re asked to vote on merger, SAG answer your questions about a merged union. For example:

-Will the pension and health plans of the new union be as strong as SAG’s are now?

-Will the new union require its members to work ONLY union jobs (Global Rule 1) as SAG does now?

-Will actors have the majority vote regarding their own interests like SAG does now?

-Will the new union have requirements for membership as SAG does now?

-Will the facts, both PRO and CON, be included in the merger referendum sent to members for a vote?

... Creating a merger plan behind CLOSED doors with AFTRA is unacceptable... SAG members must know the whole truth about a merger plan before being asked to vote... Please vote for the following independent candidates to ensure all voices are heard and all questions are asked.

Sincerely, #3 William Mapother,  #20 Scott Bakula, #26 Esai Morales, #27 Valerie Harper, #31 George Coe, #56 David Jolliffe.  We also ask for your vote for the additional independent candidates: #6 Scott Pierce, #24 Pete Antico, #39 John Tremaine, #46 Mobin Khan, #48 Ron Ostrow.   Ballots must be returned by September 20th."

I support those who pledge to get answers to the major questions on the SAG/AFTRA merger...BEFORE the merger! OK?  For more info on these candidates, Click Here! 

Thank you for reading my blog today. Please be kind to yourself and to others. Share your visions of peace and justice with the world. Strive always to leave each place you visit the better for your having been there! - TCK

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