On July 16, the SAG-AFTRA National Board of Directors approved the establishment of the TV/Theatrical/New Media Wages & Working Conditions and Negotiations Committee and appointed Gabrielle Carteris as chair.

“I’m honored that the board chose me to lead these crucial negotiations on the entertainment contracts covering motion pictures, television series and new media,” Carteris said. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with SAG-AFTRA members during the wages and working conditions process.”

The board also reviewed the Legal and Governance Report, the Secretary-Treasurer’s Report, included a surplus of $12 million, and the National Executive Director’s Report, which covered the merger of the SAG and AFTRA health plans effective Jan. 1, 2017.

Additionally, Carteris reported on her first 100 days as SAG-AFTRA president. She updated board members on her work in Washington, D.C., where she met with Secretary of Labor Tom Perez, AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka, members of Congress and other officials.

Carteris also reported on the union’s successful “Celebration of Journalism” reception held on White House Correspondents’ weekend, as well as her recent keynote address to the California Federation of Labor Biennial Convention in Oakland. During the event, she recognized award recipient and United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta for her achievements.

Carteris noted in her President’s Report that among the goals she has set for her presidency are enhancing diversity and expanding employment opportunities for all members.

For information, visit www.sagaftra.org.