Message from DC-Baltimore SAG Branch Council President, Kirk Penberthy, May 15, 2009

Hello DC-Baltimore SAG Members:

As you probably know, the TV Theatrical ballots will be mailed out May 19 and must be received at the assigned post office box no later than 5:00 p.m. (PDT) June 9. This contract will come to you with a recommendation to vote "YES" from both the Screen Actors Guild National Board of Directors and the recently constituted Negotiating Task Force that helped bring these negotiations to a conclusion.

I want you to know that your National Board Director Stephen F. Schmidt and I echo the recommendation to vote "YES". And it is also important to know that this ballot will also come with a minority report recommending a "no" vote. However, ratification will not only guarantee increases in terms and conditions but it will end the uncertainty that working without a contract has caused. Production can gear up once again and we can get back to work.

Right now, we're looking for volunteers to work a phone bank at the SAG office in Bethesda to help us get out the vote on Tuesday, May 19 from 12 noon- 2 p.m., or Tuesday, May 19 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., or Tuesday, May 26th from 10 a.m. – 12 noon.

Please come out and join members of your SAG Council in asking your fellow members to VOTE YES!! We'll also be telling members that they can learn more about the contract at an informational videoconference to be held on May 28 at 12:30 p.m. and providing all the details about how to sign up to attend this opportunity to hear from Interim National Executive Director David White and Deputy National Executive Director of Contracts Ray Rodriguez about this tentative agreement and the importance of voting and voting "yes".

If you can volunteer, please write Jane Love at jlove@aftra.com and let her know when you're available. You can also call Jane at (301) 657-2560 x859.

Also, please don’t forget about the SAG-AFTRA membership meeting on Monday night, May 18th at the Hilton Hotel at 1750 Rockville Pike. The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. and we will have Kelly Nesbitt, Talent Director of the Docherty Agency in Pittsburgh as our special guest. See you there.

Thanks,

Kirk Penberthy
DC-Baltimore SAG Branch Council President