5 Reasons We Love Our Unions

I'm hearing a lot of complaining these days about SAG-AFTRA and the merge.  People are always complaining about Actors Equity. Some newly union actors can't seem to get good agents, and are simply not auditioning.  They're pissed.  Some are going fi-core.  Some are campaigning to get better agents, but the agencies are inundated with actors at the moment.  In conclusion: It's Bitch-Fest NYC 2012.

However, I'm trying to look on the bright side.
I'm trying to take a moment to think about why unions are great.  We all have our problems with them, but they exist for a reason - to make our careers better.

They don't always accomplish the goal, but I think it's time to list:

5 Reasons We Love Our Unions:

•They give us access to Health and Pension benefits.
      If you've ever had the luck of being on AEA, AFTRA or SAG Health Care... it's nice, isn't it?  Lots of people simply go without insurance, and some pay up to $600 a month for their own.  It's so nice to feel protected with reasonably solid insurance, and know that you've earned it.

•Once you get the job, they really protect you.
     Equity Breaks!  Meal Penalties! Overtime?!  What?  One can argue that the wages could be higher, especially for AEA contracts, but no one will argue about the conditions under which you work.  The standards set forth by the unions are high--at times decadent.  SAG-AFTRA sets must have a guaranteed never-ending flow of food.  Name another job that has that.

•They have a vested interest in making sure you don't get ripped off.
     Equity and SAG-AFTRA make money every time you make money, so they try their best to make sure you get what you deserve.
     A client of mine did a non-union commercial for a restaurant that paid $1000, and held a conflict with restaurants for 2 years.  (So, he couldn't audition for commercials for restaurants for 2 years.)  That's ridiculous!  If you book a union commercial, yes you often get a conflict, but they pay you quarterly even if the commercial isn't in use.  Of course you hope they use it, so you make more!  You never have to hold a conflict, unless you're getting regular checks.

•Unions keep tabs on agents.
     In order to work on union projects, agents must be franchised with the unions.  We all know horror stories about agents and managers trying to rip off actors.  Unions keep them accountable.  Agents are working under strict guidelines, without which, they'd have way too much power.  They could charge 50% commission.  Why not?  We'd still need them.
    Just a note: Managers are not franchised by the unions.  So if you're involved with a manager, just make sure that you've thoroughly read the contracts.

•Fringe benefits.
     Discounts
     The Shoe Fund
     The Actors Fund
     VITA
     iActor
     Screenings, free DVDs, tickets to show, classes
     Prestige and peer support

Keep these in mind as you're paying your dues twice-yearly, and maybe you won't have to make tiny cuts into your legs, just the survive.