SAG-AFTRA... One Union?

The SAG-AFTRA merger has been on a lot of people’s minds recently.  Both supporters and opponents of the merger have voiced their opinions and as the March 30^th deadline approaches the debates are becoming more heated.  I feel that as upcoming members of the entertainment industry, it is important to our success that we learn and understand as much about the political nature of the business, as well as, our individual areas of expertise such as producing, artist management, etc.

There are a few opposing points of view that I find very interesting.  Supporters of the merger claim that SAG and AFTRA members will be stronger as a single union.  Increasing their ability to negotiate with the other unions rather than competing against themselves.  Opponents claim that SAG is a union of actors while AFTRA is comprised of actors, broadcasters, and journalists.  They claim that the latter two are actors and they do not depend on residuals to supplement or provide their income.  According to an Anti-Merger video, on Deadline.com, featuring Ed Harris, “The interests and needs of actors versus broadcasters and journalists in fighting for fair contracts and protection of their rights are NOT the same.”  This is the basis of one of the arguments that opponents of the merger are using.  They are questioning how this merger will increase leverage with producers, if this union has differing needs because it will no longer solely represent actors?

There are many issues revolving around this merger from union dues, pension and health benefits, retirement, residuals and royalties, and what will happen to the spread of non-union work just to name a few.  The list of supporters has grown exponentially with names like Robert De Niro, George Clooney, Sally Field, Tom Hanks, and Betty White all asking members to vote yes to the merger.  While many like Ed Harris, Martin Sheen, and Ed Asner are strongly opposed to the merger and along with many others have stated, “I want a stronger Screen Actors Guild, not a weaker SAG-AFTRA”.

Overall I think it will be interesting to see the results of this merger vote and in my personal opinion I think that the SAG-AFTRA merger would make for a stronger union together and the benefits for both sides members would outweigh any downfalls.  But don’t take my word for it, as industry professionals do yourselves a favor and read more about the SAG-AFTRA merger and make an informed decision.