Fran Drescher, best known for her role in the TV show “The Nanny,” is seeking re-election for the position of SAG-AFTRA president. In a surprising turn of events, she has managed to gain the endorsement of both of the union’s major political parties, Unite for Strength and Membership First, which are typically rivals.
Unite for Strength and Membership First announced their collaboration on Monday, stating that they will support Drescher’s candidacy in the 2023 elections. This unity between the two groups disrupts the usual dynamic of the union’s elections, where each party typically runs its own slate against the other. Not only is Drescher being endorsed by both parties, but current union secretary-treasurer Joely Fisher is also running alongside her for the same seat.
Drescher has made it her goal to unify the union’s membership since she first ran for office in 2021. In a statement, she expressed her gratitude for the show of solidarity, saying, “We stand upon the precipice of a new dawn. And with this show of solidarity, we have become all the more empowered.” Fisher echoed this sentiment, calling the announcement a “paradigm shift” and emphasizing the importance of unification in fighting for the creative and economic ideals of the membership.
In the previous election, Drescher ran with the Unite for Strength slate while Fisher ran with the Membership First candidates. The two parties had differing approaches to local and national politics, with Unite for Strength focusing on a legislative agenda and Membership First prioritizing the repair of the union’s foundation. Despite their differences, both parties shared a common focus on healthcare, contract enforcement, and residuals. The competition between the two parties in the 2021 election was intense, with candidates publicly criticizing each other and filing complaints with the union’s national board.
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For the upcoming 2023 election, the unified slate of candidates endorsed by both Unite for Strength and Membership First will focus on various issues, including the threat of artificial intelligence and machine learning, improving residual formulas, and tackling self-taping regulations. This unified approach demonstrates a commitment to addressing the challenges facing the union and working together to find solutions.
The timing of the announcement is significant, as SAG-AFTRA is currently in negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers regarding its TV/theatrical contract package, which is set to expire on June 30. Drescher and national executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland recently provided an update to members, stating that the negotiations have been “extremely productive.” It is clear that the unified slate of candidates aims to strengthen the union’s position during these negotiations and advocate for the best interests of its members.
In conclusion, Fran Drescher’s re-election campaign for SAG-AFTRA president has gained the endorsement of both major political parties in the union. This collaboration between Unite for Strength and Membership First marks a significant shift in the union’s elections and reflects a commitment to unifying the membership. The upcoming 2023 election will feature a unified slate of candidates focused on addressing important issues and advocating for the interests of SAG-AFTRA members. These developments come at a crucial time as the union navigates negotiations with industry producers, aiming to secure a favorable contract for its members.
