Guild will host Dec. 3 discussion of technique and its impact on actors.
David White Statement, Feb 3, 2009
David White
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The Hotel Bel-Air has undergone a lot of changes over the years, but it's in for its biggest face-lift via a two-year renovation. Here is a collection of then and now photos.
Dear Screen Actors Guild member,
As you know, the Guild was scheduled to resume negotiations today regarding the expired TV/Theatrical contract. However, that meeting had to be postponed due to a legal matter that has been brought against the Guild, which is now before a state court in Los Angeles. I am writing to present you with information about this development.
Yesterday, the Guild received notice that President Alan Rosenberg, 1st Vice President Anne-Marie Johnson and National Board members Kent McCord and Diane Ladd filed a lawsuit against the Guild challenging the January 26, 2009 “written assent” presented by a majority of the National Board of Directors. As you know, that written assent terminated the Guild’s relationship with its then-National Executive Director; created and appointed a national task force to advise the Chief Negotiator and the Board on the TV/Theatrical negotiations; named John T. McGuire as Chief Negotiator; and named me as Interim National Executive Director. If successful, this legal action could impact or even reverse those board actions.
As a result, attorneys for Screen Actors Guild appeared this morning in Los Angeles Superior Court to respond to the lawsuit. After hearing from attorneys representing the plaintiffs, as well as the response from SAG counsel, the Court ruled that the lawsuit was procedurally defective and refused to issue the requested injunction.
The Plaintiffs’ counsel then stated that they intend to amend their documents and resubmit them this Thursday morning, February 5, 2009. The Guild will present a vigorous defense.
The Guild understands the importance of concluding negotiations and securing a fair contract for SAG members and looks forward to re-engaging with the AMPTP as soon as possible. In the meantime, the Guild continues to work in the service of its members, with focus, dedication and commitment.
David White
Interim National Executive Director
Comments
Doom2d Says
The Civl War in the USA brought about the most needed and necessary changes in the United States today.games
John Moschitta Jr Says
Mr White...
I have been a proud card carrying SAG (and AFTRA /AEA) member for nearly 30 years. Last Monday I attended the Hollywood Division Board meeting as a member/observer. I must congratulate you on your handling of the grilling you received from certain board members. You were diplomatic, controled and measured in your responses....unlike the questioners who it appeared had an agenda to discredit you and expose some deep dark secret proving that you were a spy for the producers who had infilltrated the ranks of the union to sabotage actors everywhere. The sad part is they do not realize how rediculous, petty and pathetic they all looked. They came off as nothing more than a bunch of spoiled children crying over spilled milk.
As is very often the case with non-profit boards, elections are popularity contests which often result in ...to put it politely ... well meaning people who are ill equipped to deal with complex matters at the helm. After sitting through the meeting it was quite apparent that was the case with the SAG Hollywood Board.
Point in case ...1st Vice Chairperson Kent McCord. I was a first time observer and had no problem understanding the procedures for speaking and asking questions. Dozens of board members abided by those procedures and spoke prior to Mr McCord reaching the mike. When he did start to speak he apppeared to be totally dazed and confused as to the protocol, stumbled through his statement making no sense and finally sat down. This is a man who has served in an executive postion for YEARS ...this is a man who is one of four people to sign on to the lawsuit you talked about ...
When a person is incapable of understanding the concept of ...you get one minute to speak ... it makes it extremely difficult for me to have any confidence in their judgement or leadership on more complex issues.
I am of the opinion our battle with the producers was lost years ago the moment the merger was voted down. The final nail in the coffin was AFTRA negotiating on it's own. SAG urging AFTRA members to vote down the contract was SHAMEFUL and further eroded our strength. Mr Rosenberg has sent out many "finger pointing" emails but I think the time has come for him to admit his mistakes and tacticle errors. The time has come to repair the damage and move forward as a united front....not file lawsuits.
Mr White, the problems you have inherited are many. There is no one faction responsible for the mess SAG is in today. In all good debates and disagreements there are always valid points on both sides. But now the time has come for solidarity and diplomacy not continued bickering and political manuvering .... a time for civility not civil war. I fear the actions of the past have already weakened the position of actors beyond repair for this round of negotiations. The producers are popping champagne in celebration ...and we did it to ourselves. Hopefuly you will be sucessful in bringing us all together again to restore SAG to greatness so that we never find ourselves in this position again.
All of my extremities are crossed for your success....
John
Anonymous Says
Allan Rosenberg was voted in by us, the SAG members, to defend SAG against the AMPTP and it's own union members like you Morgan. The MAJORITY of SAG members are in the Hollywood DIvision of SAG with about 74,000 members. That MAJORITY voted to keep Membership First in control of that division. The vast MAJORITY of Hollywood SAG members Support MF and Rosenberg. The majority of the SAG 120,000 members support MF and Rosenberg and they wlll support him now as well. You Unite for Strength/ Moderates did not win a majority of the seats in the last election. You won some. And you used the "some" seats you have and aligned with other independents to barely, 53% vote, to remove Doug Allen and the negotiating committee. Barely. But the MAJORITY of SAG membership wanted MF in control of the Hollywood Board that represents 74,000 actors. Keep going MF and Allan Rosenberg ! ! Keep fighting ! ! ! Remember the Civil War in the United States. Lincoln had great opposition within his cabinet and with the South. Great battles occured. It was worth the fight. Justice wil prevail for Membership First and all of the MAJORITY of SAG members that support this cause. We will overcome. We will prevail.
Anonymous Says
The Civl War in the USA brought about the most needed and necessary changes in the United States today. Allan's "Civil War" will bring about the most needed and necessary changes and will benefit all actors and labor unions in the future.
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