AFTRA Makes Progress in Seeking Direction Affiliation with AFL-CIO

AFTRA cleared one hurdle in its effort to seek direct affiliation with the AFL-CIO, when the labor federation's executive council cleared the way for President John Sweeny to issue a charter. The council, whose members include SAG, also expressed some concerns that must be answered regarding the "Four A's" group.

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.

AFTRA cleared one hurdle in its effort to seek direct affiliation with the AFL-CIO, when the labor federation's executive council cleared the way for President John Sweeny to issue a charter.

The council, whose members include SAG, also expressed some concerns that must be answered regarding the "Four A's" group.

"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.

"Doing business the old way is simply no longer tenable," she said. "We appreciate the support of President Sweeney and the executive council in recognizing the clear mandate of AFTRA's delegates, who voted for direct affiliation and the importance of finalizing direct affiliation expeditiously given the rapid changes in the media and entertainment industries in which our members work."

AFTRA officials said they would cooperate with the AFL-CIO to attempt to secure the direct affiliation.

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