Archive for October 18, 2008

No News is…No News

After a long and contentious session, the first since Membership First lost its majority in the room, the SAG National Board finally recessed after a marathon session - and will pick up tomorrow where it left off.The issue of a TV-Theatrical strike authorization is on the Sunday agenda. We haven’t heard yet whether the agreement on Phase 1-style joint negotiation of the Commericals Contract was agreed to - but we can tell you that some in Membership First are incensed at one of the key requirements of the deal. Part of the AFL-CIO brokered deal between SAG and AFTRA is a non-disparagement clause. That means neither side would be able to engage in the kind of bashing made infamous by the Allens and Justine Bateman, who called AFTRA a “scumbag union.“ The proposed deal sets seriously heavy fines for violation of the non-disparagement clause. The AFTRA board ratified it, with Membership First representatives speaking in favor, then voting against it. We’re still waiting for confirmation that the new SAG board ratified it as expected.   

The First of the Wave

Variety reports that NBC Universal is planning another round of major cuts, totalling $500 million in spending. The “glass is half full” view: the cuts represent 3% of spending. We’ve heard rumors of even bigger cuts at other producers.

Campaign Watch: Freed, Margolin join Johnson as SAG VPs

The New York and RBD election results are in. The New York Division Board re-elected New York Division President Sam Freed as 2nd national vice president. The Regional Branch Division Board elected David Hartley-Margolin as 3rd national vice president. Hollywood had previously elected Anne-Marie Johnson as first VP.Net real change: none. As we told you two weeks ago, Johnson, from Membership First, replaces Kent McCord, also from Membership First. The New York and RBD politics remain stable.

Our Thought For the Morning

We can’t help but wonder if this day may presage January 20, 2009, when a new leader discovers that it’s a easier - a lot easier - to get people to agree that those who’ve been running things have done a terrible job than to get them to actually agree on change.

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