FALL 2013
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VOLUME 2
Kusatsu Elected National VP and Named Vice Chair of TV/Theatrical Negotiations Committee
A Letter From L.A. President Clyde Kusatsu Dear Member, There is a new book by Howard G. Buffett titled 40 Chances. It is based on the idea that a farmer has 40 seasons of growing crops to get things right. The book explores the notion that practice makes perfect and repetition and experience help develop strength and expertise. I can identify with that somewhat, as I recently entered my 41st season as an actor. I’ve worked nationally and internationally and under almost every union contract except the audiobooks agreement. I haven’t yet been cast as a dancer or singer — but hey, there’s still time! Like many of our members, the TV and theatrical agreements have been my “bread and butter” over a long, varied and meaningful career. I know that I have been
Angela Weiss
L
os Angeles Local President Clyde Kusatsu has been elected National Vice President, Los Angeles. He was elected to the office by a unanimous vote of the Los Angeles delegates at the inaugural SAG-AFTRA National Convention on Sept. 26 in Los Angeles. The seat is one of seven national vice president positions that rank below the president, executive vice president and secretary-treasurer. In addition, Kusatsu was appointed by the SAG-AFTRA National Board to represent members as one of three vice chairs for the National TV/ Theatrical Contract Wages and Working Conditions Plenary Committee. The W&W process for TV/ theatrical, among the union’s largest and most visible contracts, is scheduled to begin in January.
L.A. Local President Clyde Kusatsu greets delegates to the convention on the eve of being elected National Vice President, Los Angeles. fortunate to work in one of the toughest businesses around and to grow my career, raise a family and earn the health and pension benefits that our contracts provide. As I looked back on a pretty good career that I had absolutely worked hard for, I found myself asking: Do I sit back, or do I give back? It’s not a question for me anymore. I’ve chosen to serve the union as a volunteer elected leader and I am thrilled and excited to do so. I am deeply proud of this union and honored to serve the membership as national vice president, Los Angeles, in addition to my position as your elected Los Angeles president. I am humbled every day by the faith that you have shown in me. You can rest assured that your interests are uppermost in my mind and that I will work hard to ensure that Los Angeles members are inspired and supported. As a national vice chair of the TV/ Theatrical W&W Plenary Committee, I will be serving as one of three vice chairs
supporting President Ken Howard, the national chair, as we prepare for next year’s negotiations on these crucial contracts. We will be starting our local W&W sessions in January and I encourage all Los Angeles members that work the TV and theatrical contracts to attend the W&W meetings and share your thoughts, opinions, criticisms and solutions. We need to hear from you. The negotiating team collects input and insight about members’ experiences on sets and in recording booths. These real-world observations and experiences help inform the discussion and debate and, ultimately, help us better understand how the contracts are working for everyone. This is a complex and often challenging time as our business evolves, but today we approach the future as a strong, united SAG-AFTRA: No longer two separate entities, but one union that is stronger together. We are now part of a global Continues on page 2
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