AFTRA link with AFL-CIO could weaken Four A's

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/new...

By Carl DiOrio

Sept 24, 2007
AFTRA, which seeks to affiliate directly with the AFL-CIO in a move opposed by SAG, has gotten some traction on that proposal.

But the performer's union also was made aware of concerns expressed by AFL-CIO's executive council -- unsurprising, considering that newly re-elected SAG president Alan Rosenberg sits on the council (HR 9/21).

After reviewing AFTRA's affiliation request at a regularly scheduled meeting Friday, the council gave AFL-CIO president John Sweeney standing authority to issue a charter. But it also indicated that certain unspecified concerns first must be answered regarding the effect on the "Four A's" group, which AFTRA wants to bolt in the process.

AFTRA has had an indirect relationship with the AFL-CIO via its membership in Associated Actors and Artistes of America. SAG also belongs to the group, and guild leadership believes the Four A's would be weakened if AFTRA is allowed to leave.

AFTRA members approved a proposal to leave the Four A's and affiliate directly with the AFL-CIO in July at the union's biennial convention in Philadelphia.

"Direct affiliation will put AFTRA members on equal footing with other workers in the entertainment and media unions, with whom AFTRA members share common interests for organizing and negotiating stronger contracts with large national and multinational corporations," AFTRA president Roberta Reardon said Friday.

FULL story at link.