U.S. HISPANIC
Telemundo performers have voted to join SAG-AFTRA
Miryana Márquez| 10 de marzo de 2017
Gabrielle Carteris, SAG-AFTRA´s president
Telemundo telenovela performers have voted to join SAG-AFTRA in the election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which had a result of 91-21 in favor of membership.
This is the first time in 65 years that a group of actors at a major television network sought a unionization election, the vote is a momentous step toward ending the double standard that has existed for decades between Spanish-speaking performers at Telemundo and their English-speaking colleagues at NBC.
“I congratulate Telemundo performers and welcome them to our family of actors and professionals,” commented Gabrielle Carteris, president of SAG-AFTRA. “This vote sends a powerful message of hope and solidarity at a critical moment in the history of our union and of the creative community. Regardless of the language we speak, we can all unite to improve conditions for performers working professionally in our industry. Telemundo performers have laid a foundation that will improve lives for generations to come.”
The new bargaining unit will cover actors, stunt performers, singers, and dancers working on telenovelas produced in the US. SAG-AFTRA will now begin preparation for negotiations on their behalf.
“We know this vote also will help Telemundo grow and flourish and we look forward to negotiating with them to achieve a fair first contract for our members.” said SAG-AFTRA National executive director David White.
In the coming weeks, SAG-AFTRA will meet with performers to discuss contract proposals surrounding issues of fair pay, residuals, benefits and on-set safety measures.
