On March 28th, 2006, a deal was struck on the Animation Basic Cable Contract! (Insert Applause Here.) However, before certain denizens of Membership First rush to the front of the stage to take their bows, let’s be sure that the people REALLY responsible for this agreement get their due...

Working Animation Actors Hijack Negotiations

Working animation actors are thrilled that an agreement has been reached in the Animation Basic Cable Contract, as is the case. The people who work the contract — the animation actors heavily credit member activism and communication with SAG staff and negotiators Sallie Weaver and Tom LaGrua for a successful conclusion and not the animation negotiating committee.

Over 40 working animation actors organized and took the lead in their negotiations after a number of prominent working actors resigned in protest from the committee due to its questionable composition.

Working actors reached out to President Alan Rosenberg in early February 2006 by petition with about 30 signatures demanding a reconstitution of the Committee. The petition, as well as multiple phone calls and emails from members have been ignored. Frustrated, actors began to organize. They communicated with each other via email and met at restaurants and salon-style in private homes, resolute to determine their negotiations.

Things looked up when NY SAG President Paul Christie asked one of the Los Angeles activists to represent NYC on the committee. This bridge between SAG negotiators and the acting community brought in current and "real" work situations. SAG had entered negotiations with dated parameters. It should be noted that final acceptance of the deal was made without the Committee Chair. Weaver and John Maguire on behalf of SAG accepted it, at the behest of the community.

Concerned actors united strongly at a caucus in late February 2006, where they presented their opinions to board members and committee. Throughout talks, actors remained active holding negotiators to their promise to advocate the will of the community.

So thanks go out to Weaver, LaGrua and the outstanding SAG staff for keeping their promise, and especially, to working animation actors who truly should be credited with the win.

Animation Actors support fellow SAG members in their Live Action Basic Cable negotiations.