SAG-AFTRA Receives Support from International Federation of Actors for Its Telemundo Organizing

SAG-AFTRA has received the support of the Latin American sector (FIA-LA) of the International Federation of Actors (FIA) due to its successful organizing efforts at Telemundo. FIA-LA's statement of support includes a unanimous declaration that the unions and their members will not permit Telemundo to move productions to their countries, if the network carries out its threatened retaliation as a result of the recent historical unionization vote.

"We are thrilled to have the support of the FIA-LA and FIA," said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris. "It is a powerful statement of strength in numbers and a welcome expression of global solidarity from our Latin American counterparts."

On March 8, 2017, Spanish-speaking performers at Telemundo voted by an overwhelming majority to be represented by SAG-AFTRA. The final tally conducted by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) was 91 - 21 in favor of membership despite Telemundo's attempts to prevent unionization. The network implied that it might move its productions outside of the United States if their performers unionized.

"We support the efforts of the Telemundo talent to stand up against discrimination and double standards," said Ferne Downey, president of FIA. "Performers have a right to advocate for better wages and working conditions, and to advance their economic and social rights. By becoming a part of the SAG-AFTRA family they will be able to fight for fair wages, health and retirement plans and other benefits they have long been unfairly denied."

"FIA-LA's member unions know as well as anyone the importance of solidarity and standing together against employer intimidation. As part of the global community of artists, today we take an unequivocal stand supporting SAG-AFTRA's representation of Telemundo performers. We stand together, united, against any efforts to undermine their bargaining and continued employment," said Andrea Gutierrez Vasquez, president of FIA-LA.

SAG-AFTRA was certified by the NLRB on March 20, 2017, to officially represent the hundreds of Spanish-speaking artists working at Telemundo.

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