YOUR SAG BALLOT HAS ARRIVED, and for the first time in years, you have a real choice in this election. We are on the cusp of merger with AFTRA and a strong New York board is essential at this crucial moment. Here are just a few vital areas where ONE.STRONG.UNION. and USAN don't see eye to eye:
MERGER
USAN: ANY MERGER WILL DO.
-USAN leaders appointed the same few people to represent NY on all the committees involved in this complex task, including a USAN candidate with no SAG work experience. By shutting out experienced and effective board members outside their circle, they have limited the varied and thoughtful input that will bring you the best merger possible.
ONE.STRONG.UNION.: WE WANT THE BEST MERGER POSSIBLE.
-The time to merge SAG and AFTRA is NOW and O.S.U. is 100% committed to one strong union representing all members. We support and will improve the current merger process by creating opportunities for all NY members to contribute your ideas. THIS IS YOUR MERGER. O.S.U. will make sure YOUR NEEDS are met. We know that only an inclusive, well thought out merger will pass and WE ARE NOT TAKING THIS MERGER FOR GRANTED.
INTERNET AND NEW MEDIA
USAN: IT’S NOT THAT IMPORTANT.
-During the last TV/Theatrical contract negotiation, USAN put this exploding medium on the back burner.
ONE.STRONG.UNION.: IT’S OUR FUTURE.
-O.S.U. candidates work all SAG contracts and recognize the importance of capturing our fair share of this growing revenue stream. We're ready for the next negotiation with specific proposals to get you more money for your work in New Media. O.S.U. has what it takes to protect your future.
INTERACTIVE GAMING AND QUALIFIED REPRESENTATION
USAN: THERE’S NO MONEY IN IT.
-USAN routinely appoints people to negotiating committees who DON'T WORK THE CONTRACT, often with disastrous results. In 2009, SAG LOST JURISDICTION over Interactive jobs. The NY chair of the negotiation - a current USAN candidate - had minimal experience under the contract and did nothing to prevent this debacle. He defended this disaster by dismissing the income potential of this MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR business.
ONE.STRONG.UNION.: WE'RE DOING THE MATH.
-O.S.U believes everyone on a negotiating team must understand, value and work the contract being negotiated. ONLY QUALIFIED REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE PRINCIPAL AND BACKGROUND COMMUNITIES SHOULD REPRESENT YOU IN ALL NEGOTIATIONS. Merger gives us another shot at claiming a bigger piece of the gaming business for union performers - O.S.U. won't take that opportunity for granted.
FAIR ELECTIONS
USAN: STACKING THE DECK.
USAN supports the flawed Nominating Committee system, and expects everyone selected by the "Nom Comm" to run with USAN. Here's how it works: the board majority selects the Nom Comm, which in turn “approves” the board majority as candidates! USAN refuses to re-consider this questionable system, because it keeps them in power.
ONE.STRONG.UNION.: KEEPING IT HONEST.
-O.S.U. will abolish the Nominating Committee, which promotes entrenchment, not accountability. We will ensure that these kinds of unhealthy practices don’t find their way into the new merged union.
BOARD INTEGRITY
USAN: THESE ARE OUR SEATS, NOT YOURS.
- USAN supported a new rule that allows a board member to replace themselves with anyone they want. A celebrity can run, resign and give a National Board seat to a member who didn’t even stand for election, disregarding your votes.
ONE.STRONG.UNION.: YOUR VOTE COUNTS.
-The board is elected by the membership to protect member interests. When a National Board seat is vacated, it should be filled by an alternate YOU elected. O.S.U. will demand an objective replacement process that honors your choices.
Electing O.S.U. guarantees a board that values INCLUSION, demands TRANSPARENCY and anticipates the future through FORWARD-LOOKING vision. We will COLLABORATE with SAG board members nationwide and partner with AFTRA leadership to create the strongest New Union possible.
Here are just a few initiatives O.S.U. has planned to better represent and include you:
**Detailed email and video reports after every board meeting.**
**Regular merger updates and opportunities to tell the board what YOU want in this merger.**
**Opening the boardroom to NY members - bring your concerns directly to the board, IN PERSON.**
**Contract "Open Houses" - ask questions about the contracts you work and get answers. We need to hear from principal and background performers about what's working and what's not.**
**Predicting the future - we'll establish an "Innovations Committee," to research emerging developments in technology that will effect our industry and your paycheck.**
Visit ONESTRONGUNION.com for more information on how O.S.U. will serve NY actors.
You have your ballot. Make your voice heard. Ballots must be received by Sept. 22nd.
Elect ONE.STRONG.UNION. It's time.
Your ONE.STRONG.UNION. VOTER GUIDE
President:
SAM ROBARDS
NY Board of Directors:
#2 GY MIRANO
#3 JOE NARCISO
#5 SAM ROBARDS
#8 MATT SERVITTO
#10 COREY ANKER
#13 JUSTIN BARRETT
#17 KELLY DEADMON
#18 ANDREW DOLAN
#20 JEFF GURNER
#21 PHOEBE JONAS
