By: John Haer

	AFTRA Pittsburgh's Stoney Richards with other attendees at the CPT Summit

PITTSBURGH (August 13, 2008) Elected leaders from the Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Tri-State Locals convened here August 8 - 10. Billed as the “CPT Summit”, the meeting afforded a first-ever face-to-face dialogue on the issues and challenges facing AFTRA in our region. Cities represented included Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Louisville, Columbus, Dayton, and Indianapolis.

Topics ranged from a common approach on relations with talent agents, Freelance contracts, broadcast bargaining support, and organizing. Several new initiatives will spring from this confab.

“It’s clear that our Locals together can accomplish things that are difficult to do separately,” says Cleveland Local President Mike Kraft. “We share talent agents, employers, and members often travel in the region for work. We understand our union needs to adopt to this changing environment.”

Staff from the three locals have been coordinating administrative work over the past year. They reported satisfaction that this new cooperation has enhanced the Union’s services and image to members, allies, and employers.

Participants thanked national AFTRA for its on-going support of this innovative regional initiative.