New England actors with SAG-AFTRA returned to Boston in power for Labor Day — marching by means of Downtown Crossing with a full band and parade of labor allies.
“Our steps reverberate with the legacy of generations who fought for workers rights, reminding us that our struggle is a torch passed down through time,” mentioned NEW England Local SAG-AFTRA President Andrea Lyman. “Let our presence here today be a testament: we are unyielding.”
Members of the putting union gathered Monday afternoon with different union allies and elected officers on the steps of Downtown Crossing, having marched by means of the streets from the Labor Day Breakfast.
Speakers echoed the union’s three main issues: elevating wages to match inflation, adjusting pay for residuals so actors get compensated pretty for streaming content material and — with emphasis — establishing protections from AI makes use of of their likeness and threats to their jobs.
“This is very important — as you heard the congresswoman say, we are setting a precedent,” mentioned SAG-AFTRA member Daniel Washington. “We are in an industry that when we have trouble, it’s truly televised. It is all over social media. Everybody sees it. And we are the first to put these gloves up against AI like this, right? That is super important.”
The union obtained avid help Monday from elected officers, Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey.
“Last year, Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, he took home a whopping $27 million,” Warren mentioned. “Just think about that for a minute. $27 million for 52 weeks of work. Meanwhile, nearly 90% of SAG-AFTRA members are scraping by on less than $27,000 a year.”
The politicians famous the significance of this second and strike in the way forward for labor fights as know-how, large wealth gaps and different concerns rise, with Markey noting a “transitional point” and Pressley asserting an “inflection point in our history and paradigm shift.”
Union members emphasised repeatedly the significance of not giving in or “getting tired” and sticking with the combat so long as it takes.
“This gives me goosebumps,” mentioned Michelle Proude, SAG-AFTRA Vice President of Mid-Sized Locals, indicating the gang. “Because the strength that we hold in union solidarity is bigger than anyone really realizes. And every single time we come to an event where we get this kind of support it gives us the strength to fight one more day.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com”
