AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka kicked off the first day of SAG-AFTRA’s national convention today, setting the stage for the entertainment and media union’s most important governance event since merger.
SAG-AFTRA National President Ken Howard officially opened the convention. “What we have created today is an overwhelming and moving tribute to the power of this union to improve the lives of its members all across the country,” he said. “When we work together, we are a powerful voice. When we work together, we are proud and strong. When we work together, we are an unstoppable force that diligently and selflessly works to empower and strengthen the union and our fellow members. We are taking the first, early steps on a remarkable journey. There will only ever be one first SAG-AFTRA convention.”
Trumka congratulated the union on its progress since SAG and AFTRA became one on March 30, 2012, saying, “One of the major goals across our labor movement is strengthening the power of unions. And I have no doubt that the merger of SAG and AFTRA has built a much, much stronger union. It’s a victory for your combined membership. Labor makes possible the joy and wonder that I feel – and all of us in the viewing public feel – when we’re transported by the magic that you do.”
In the afternoon, delegates nominated and elected the union’s eight national vice presidents, including the executive vice president. The elections were a major milestone for the new union, which for the first time has a full team of elected leaders.
Gabrielle Carteris was elected as executive vice president.
The following are the results of the election of vice presidents. Candidates who ran unopposed are indicated by an asterisk. Each position is for two years.
Clyde Kusatsu* National Vice President, Los Angeles
Mike Hodge National Vice President, New York
Ilyssa Fradin National Vice President, Mid-Sized Locals
David Hartley-Margolin National Vice President, Small Locals
Robert Newman National Vice President, Actors/Performers
Catherine Brown* National Vice President, Broadcasters
Dan Navarro* National Vice President, Recording Artists
Tomorrow, SAG-AFTRA presents an entertainment industry plenary session featuring experts from BuzzFeed, Spotify, ICM, BreakMedia and Somo Mobile Ltd. Other convention business will include a constitutional amendment and resolution session, breakout panels and workshops; and a special presentation on “Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Diversity in the Industry: The Study.” In the evening, the union will host the Convention Celebration and American Scene Awards.
About SAG-AFTRA
SAG-AFTRA represents more than 165,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.
