SAG-AFTRA opens the 2023 National Convention

SAG-AFTRA launched its 2023 National Convention with the theme “Future Forward Union Power.”

Fran Drescher, president of SAG-AFTRA, opened the event by inviting first responders, active duty delegates and veteran delegates to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

“Although it is disappointing to have to suspend the convention early, the negotiating committee must immediately resume preparations to ensure a fair treaty,” said Drescher.

During the convention session, delegates nominated and elected the union’s eight national vice presidents, including the executive vice president.

Linda Powell, who previously served as SAG-AFTRA New York Local First Vice President, was elected Executive Vice President and her two-year term began immediately

“I am extremely honored to have been elected by the members to serve as Executive Vice President of SAG-AFTRA. I look forward to working with President Drescher and the rest of our dedicated leadership team during this pivotal time for our union. We will work to build on the solidarity of this moment to serve our members as we explore new opportunities for growth and innovation,” said Powell.

The following vice presidential candidates were elected to two-year terms effective immediately (an asterisk indicates candidates who ran unopposed):
Jodi Long, National Vice President, Los Angeles*
Ezra Knight, National Vice President, New York*
Michelle Proude, National Vice President, Medium Locals
Suzanne Burkhead, National Vice President, Small Locals
Shari Belafonte, National Vice President, Actor/Performer
Bob Butler, National Vice President, Broadcasting*
Janice Pendarvis, National Vice President, Artist/Singer*

“I have had the pleasure of working closely with Linda over the years and know her as one of our smartest and most thoughtful leaders in our union. She will be an exceptional Executive Vice President. I would also like to extend my congratulations to our new and re-elected National Vice Presidents. SAG-AFTRA members and I are fortunate to have such strong national officials leading and representing our union. Congratulations again to everyone and I look forward to continuing our work together,” said Drescher.

Treasury Secretary Joely Fisher began her report by thanking the SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatre Negotiating Committee for their work, congratulating all the newly elected National Vice Presidents and expressing her excitement to work with to work them. She also spoke about the importance of mental health and shared important financial achievements the union has made in recent years, including the purchase of a building that will serve as SAG-AFTRA’s future headquarters.

“We now own an office building in North Hollywood and have finally realized a vision set in motion decades ago by my mother and former Treasury Secretary Connie Stevens. We achieved this on budget and on time and can look forward to a future in which our members benefit from this important capital gain,” said Fisher.

Linda Powell, newly elected executive vice president, shared her excitement about returning to the negotiating table. Powell assured delegates of her commitment to representing members across the country and understanding their individual needs. She also emphasized her plan to use the solidarity built by the television/theater strike to increase the involvement of all SAG-AFTRA members.

President Drescher reflected on the past two years and noted successes, including the union’s partnership with IMDb and the launch of the Green Council. She thanked delegates and members for their service to the union and support in leadership. Drescher drew attention to the 100th day of the SAG-AFTRA strike, reminding everyone that they are part of history, that they are striking for a reason and that they will get a fair deal.

National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland opened his report by acknowledging elected members.

“Let me congratulate everyone who has been chosen to serve, including those elected to office today: our Vice President, our Executive Vice President Linda Powell, our Treasurer Joely Fisher and, of course, President Fran Drescher. It has been a true honor to meet you and work side by side with you in this battle we are fighting together.”

Crabtree-Ireland also reported on several SAG-AFTRA successes and shared updates on the current TV/theater strike. He shared the success of the interim agreement and the SAG-AFTRA foundation. He also acknowledged the strike leaders and their continued efforts as well as praised the solidarity shown by members on the picket lines, reflecting the extraordinary commitment of members from across the country among the union’s 25 local members.

The George Heller Memorial Award, given based on contributions and years of service to SAG-AFTRA or its predecessor unions, and the American Scene Awards, given to union productions that utilize the talents of misrepresented or underrepresented people in the most intelligent and progressive ways . . The featured groups, which realistically depict the American scene, were originally scheduled to be presented this weekend, but will also be postponed until the SAG-AFTRA National Council sets new dates.

TV/Theatrical/Streaming negotiations are scheduled for Tuesday, October 24 at SAG-AFTRA Plaza. Several managers from AMPTP member companies will be present.