AFTRA

Flash!

National

January 2010

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Happy New Year! Throughout the past year, AFTRA members have grown together into a strong and cohesive union family – and we are ready for the future. Through our many successful local and national contract negotiations in 2009, our National Convention in Chicago last August and our ongoing internal organizing trainings rolling out in Locals across the country, rank-and-file AFTRA members and leaders are actively reconnecting with each other to build the solidarity and strength we need to face the challenges that lie ahead in 2010.

The diversity of our work across the spectrum of the entertainment and news media provides AFTRA members with a solid foundation to understand, influence and improve our jobs, lives and communities. Since 1937, we have faithfully and successfully shared with each other the experience each of us has gained as professional union performers in working in multiple areas of jurisdiction.

We will continue to do so as we prepare for our upcoming major contract negotiations this year. From network news to sound recordings to television, including primetime entertainment and network television programming such as sports, game, reality, talk, children’s and daytime drama programming and more –all of which incorporate terms for the emerging field of digital media – in 2010, AFTRA members will work together to maximize and enhance employment opportunities for all AFTRA members working in both traditional and digital media, at every budget level.

AFTRA members are gifted with a unique opportunity and a responsibility to participate in shaping our industries through our union. As your president, I call upon every AFTRA member – from San Diego to Chicago to Boston, from Portland to Kansas City to Miami, and from the major employment capitals of New York and Los Angeles – to join together in 2010 to share your story in an upcoming membership meeting or in a wages and working conditions meeting and make your voice heard to help strengthen our union for the future.

Reflecting on the past and looking ahead to 2010, I have great and unwavering faith in our ability to achieve our goals together as AFTRA members.

On behalf of the AFTRA National Board of Directors, your elected officers and the staff of AFTRA, I wish you and your family a very happy, healthy and successful 2010.

In solidarity,

Roberta Reardon

National President