AFTRA FLASH!

H&R PREMIUMS DUE – DECEMBER 15
Have you received your AFTRA Health Plan Premium invoice? Remember, premiums for the January 1, 2006 quarter are due no later than December 15. If you have not received your premium invoice by now, call the AFTRA Health Fund immediately at (800) 562-4690. The AFTRA Health Fund has a very strict deadline for receipt of premiums – so make sure that your premium invoice and payment are sent to the AFTRA Health Fund in a timely fashion.

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REMINDER: SUPPLEMENTAL DENTAL\VISION BENEFITS
OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR AFTRA MEMBERS & DEPENDENTS
AFTRA has arranged with Guardian for an open enrollment period for AFTRA members in good standing to enroll in the supplemental dental and vision benefits program.

By enrolling before December 31, 2005, there will be no late entrance penalty applied. If you choose to join after January 1, 2006, Guardian may apply a late entrance penalty. A late entrance penalty means that the plan will not cover Basic (Type II) services for the first 6 months, and Major (Type III) services for first 12 months after you join the plan. (See Group Benefits Associates website for complete rules.)

If you failed to enroll earlier, but now wish to participate in this plan, you can enroll without penalty anytime between now and December 31, 2005 for coverage beginning January 1, 2006.

New rates will be effective January 1, 2006. The new quarterly rates for 2006 are:

Only AFTRA members in good standing, employees of AFTRA, employees of the AFTRA H&R Funds, and their dependents, who have basic dental coverage under the AFTRA Health Plan, may enroll in this supplemental plan. This includes enrollment in active coverage, retiree coverage, and coverage through COBRA if the individual is enrolled in Type I dental coverage through the AFTRA H&R Plan. Premiums are payable quarterly or annually. Note that certain dependents may not be eligible for basic dental coverage under the AFTRA Health Plan, and would therefore not be eligible for this supplemental coverage.

If you missed the chance to enroll before, but wish to do so now without penalty, you can enroll online at the Group Benefits Associates website, click on the AFTRA Dental Link, or call (800) 569-5319.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
AFTRA Testifies Before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee
On November 29, Tom Carpenter, AFTRA’s General Counsel/Director of Legislative Affairs, testified before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee’s “Open Forum on Decency,” and expressed grave concerns about provisions contained in the bill addressing this subject that has been passed by the House of Representatives. Carpenter told the Senate Committee: “The airwaves belong to the American people. The government holds this valuable resource in trust in granting licenses to private companies to use that valuable public resource, and to exploit it for profit. AFTRA is very concerned about provisions of the House bill that would provide for fines of up to $500,000 against individuals, with no warning mechanism. The House bill would fine individuals who simply aren’t making the decisions about what goes out over the air up to half a million dollars. It would levy a fine of $500,000 for a radio traffic reporter that makes $15,000 a year, who has no control over the button that determines whether or not his or her voice goes over the air. It is one thing for the government to fine a licensee for failing its obligations to meet the public interest. It’s a very different matter, and one that raises serious First Amendment implications, for government entities to fine an individual for the content of his or her speech, merely because someone else chose to broadcast it.”

AFTRA Applauds Introduction of New Payola Bill
AFTRA applauds Senator Feingold's efforts to create legislation that will shine a light on the insidious practice of payola, which has continued to suppress employment opportunities and income for AFTRA recording artists. By providing full disclosure of industry transactions between record labels, promoters, concert venues, and radio stations, this legislation levels the playing field for all AFTRA recording artists and performers by striking a balance between the need for exposure against the need for income and success. “For too long, especially since the passage of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, AFTRA recording artists have been economically leveraged by media conglomerates who control the very life of an artist through airplay, concert venues, and promotion,” noted AFTRA Assistant National Executive Director of Sound Recordings, Randall Himes. “With this new legislation, AFTRA recording artists have an opportunity to have a voice and a greater opportunity for airplay that will no longer be determined by the financial strength of a promoter or media conglomerate.”

AFTRA extends its deepest thanks to Senator Feingold and urges his colleagues in Congress, on both sides of the aisle, to join him in passing this important legislation that is so vital to artists in America.

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LOCAL BRIEFS
ARIZONA
Arizona AFL-CIO’s Workers Rights are Human Rights Event – December 10
Every year, thousands of workers in this country are intimidated, and ultimately fired, for trying to exercise their right to organize a union where they work, a right which is recognized worldwide as a basic human right. This is a right the AFL-CIO continues to fight for and a right that many have died for, the basic right to join a union. International Human Rights day commemorates the anniversary of the ratification of the U.N.’s universal declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This declaration established the right for people in every nation to come together to form unions and bargain collectively.

Join AFL-CIO National Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson and other invited guests to hear the real story of Arizona workers and demonstrate our commitment to continuing the growth of our country’s labor movement.

Saturday, December 10
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Phoenix College
North Gym
1202 W Thomas Road
Phoenix, AZ

MIAMI
AFTRA Miami Turns 40
On November 18, 2005, we celebrated AFTRA Miami’s 40th anniversary, “Happily Ever AFTRA.” AFTRA Miami’s coming of age party – 40 years and finally a mature local – was a beautiful fun event.

First, we “converted” the meeting room at the hotel into an AFTRA “covered” room with the AFTRA colors – red, black and white all over. Then, we “dared” to ROAST Connie Zimet, President of the Miami Local!

Hosted by Dan Fitzgerald, the roast was “cooked” by fellow Board members: Iris Acker (the serious one), Dave Corey (the pretty crazy one), David Scott (the mp3 connection), Memo Sauceda and Crystina Wyler (the Spanish connection), Darryl Gilley (the craziest one), and Zack Ziskin (the Connie connection – her son). There was a special surprise appearance by Sandy Ames (the New York connection). The group of “roasters” had all worked with or studied with Connie, so they were honored to be honoring her.

During her opening remarks, Local Executive Director, Herta Suarez, welcomed members and guests from the industry and labor and reaffirmed the Local’s ongoing commitment to training and promoting local members and organizing more work in English and Spanish-language.

Dave Corey, recipient of the 2002 AFTRAn of the Year Award presented the Miami Local 1st STAR AWARD to Connie. The event was possible thanks to the generous contribution of David Scott, AFTRA National Board member from Miami, and Bob Tracey, Miami Local Board member.

SAN FRANCISCO
The Broadcast Legends Present the Holiday Luncheon Program
Marvelous Memories of Radio
Thursday, December 8, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Visit the Broadcast Legends website for details.

Western Workers Labor Heritage Festival – January 13-15, 2006
This celebration honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s contribution to the civil rights and labor movements. A weekend of solidarity, music, drama, visual arts, spoken word, poetry, photography, and more!

International Human Rights Day
To mark International Human Rights Day in San Francisco, Supervisor Jake McGoldrick sponsored a press conference and hearing at City Hall on December 5. The hearing provided a forum for workers to testify and provide anecdotal information regarding aggressive, union-busting tactics used by employers in the San Francisco Greater Bay Area in particular, and the world in general. Based on the testimony, there appears to be a rise in "thug" type tactics in the Bay Area. Two telling examples of aggression included a statement from a striking healthcare giver who ended up in emergency due to kicks in the ribs from Sutter "security guards" while on a picket line, and two union organizers who were cornered and threatened by employees of a security-for-hire company. Supervisors Bevan Dufty and Fiona Ma were present, and opening remarks were made by Tim Paulson, Executive Director of the San Francisco Central Labor Council.

Sutter Healthcare Strike Ends in Victory for Healthcare Givers
On November 11, after nine weeks on the picket lines at the California, Pacific, and Davies campuses of Sutter CPMC, and shy just three days from also striking St Luke’s Hospital, striking caregivers ratified a new contract by a resounding 97 percent! Caregivers at California Pacific Medical Center celebrated a sweeping victory by ratifying a contract agreement with their employer, Sutter Health/ CPMC. The settlement marks a major success for the 800 CPMC caregivers who were forced to strike on September 13. The 500 caregivers at St. Luke’s Hospital also ratified their contract agreement on Saturday, November 12, thereby avoiding a November 14th strike deadline. The agreement was achieved after House Democratic Leader, Nancy Pelosi, called both parties to the bargaining table on November 7. Negotiations were facilitated by San Francisco businessman Lou Giraudo, owner of Boudin bakery.

LOS ANGELES
Give the Gift of Life This Holiday Season! AFTRA Hosts Blood Drive – December 15
AFTRA Los Angeles is pleased to host a blood drive benefiting Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, Holy Cross, and Sherman Oaks Hospital and Burn Center. The drive will be held Thursday, December 15, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. in the Frank Maxwell Boardroom at AFTRA LA. Members and friends may schedule an appointment to donate by calling Kathleen Winslow at (323) 634-8104. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

AFTRA/SAG/WGA Seasoned Play Reading – December 12, 7:30 p.m.
The AFTRA/SAG/WGA Seasoned Play Reading Committee invites you to join them for a play reading of Michael Golding’s "Skating on Sand", Monday, December 12, at 7:30 p.m. This free event will be in the WGAw's Multi Purpose Room at the WGA, 7000 West Third Street. Parking is free and accessible off Blackburn. The Seasoned Play Readings are held monthly (except for January) on the second Monday of each month. RSVP to (323) 782-4526, press #2.

Casting Showcase – December 15, 7:00 p.m.
Casting Showcase with franchised agent David Moss of H. David Moss & Associates. Teams of two AFTRA members each will have the opportunity to perform a three-minute member-prepared scene for this franchised agent. Both scene partners must be AFTRA members in good standing. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first served basis. Please call (323) 634-8262 for more information, including instructions on how to register. (Note: Members may register for one showcase a month.)

Improv Class 2006
Pictures and resumes are being accepted for the instructor's consideration for the sixth series of the Improv Class. This class focuses on improvisation and theatre games designed to enable the actor to free his/her imagination and creativity. The class teaches an actor to think on his/her feet and to free him/her to be able to respond to any audition situation instantly and honestly with strong choices. It is taught by Carnegie Mellon graduate and long-time teacher Joe Reich.

The next series will begin January 11, 2006 and continue for eight consecutive Wednesdays.

Auditioning for a Sit-Com
Cherolyn Frankln will teach a four-week class "Auditioning for a Sit-Com" beginning Tuesday, January 17. For further details, call the LA Casting Hotline at (323) 634-8263.

AFTRA Casting Access Program
AFTRA Los Angeles members in good standing from the four protected groups – performers of color (African American, Asian, Latino, and Native American); performers with a disability; senior performers (55 years or older); and women – have the opportunity to be considered for speaking roles through general readings with principal casting directors for “The Bold & the Beautiful” and “General Hospital.” Casting Society of America (CSA) volunteers review all submissions and then select the participants. Readings take place at the production facilities for these shows and are based on sides provided by the casting directors. Submissions for the next round of the Casting Access Program must be received (by mail or by hand) in the AFTRA office by December 19 in order to be considered.

Send submissions to:

AFTRA Los Angeles
5757 Wilshire Blvd., 9th floor
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Attn: Roxanne Rascón Brown

Pat Morita (1932-2005), actor who's best known for his role in the 1984 film, "The Karate Kid."

Not only did this role define his career define his role, but it earned him an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor. "The Karate Kid" generated three sequels, the last of which, 1994's "The Next Karate Kid," paired him with a young Hillary Swank.

Born in northern California on June 28, 1932, the son of migrant fruit pickers, Morita spent most of his early years in the hospital with spinal tuberculosis. He later recovered only to be sent to a Japanese-American internment camp in Arizona during World War II.

After the war, Morita's family tried to repair their finances by operating a Sacramento restaurant. It was there that Morita first tried his comedy on patrons.

At age 30, Morita entered show business full time. For years, Morita played roles in such films as "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and TV series such as "The Odd Couple" and "Green Acres." His first breakthrough came with "Happy Days," which he followed with his own brief series, "Mr. T and Tina."

"Only in America could you get away with the kind of comedy I did," he said. "If I tried it in Japan before the war, it would have been considered blasphemy.

Ralph Edwards (1913-2005), a radio and TV pioneer who created the enduring programs “This Is Your Life” and “Truth or Consequences.”

Edwards first hit it big in radio in 1940 with “Truth or Consequences,” based on a game he played as a boy. Then came television and in 1952 he introduced another popular show, "This Is Your Life.” “Life” profiled some of Hollywood’s biggest stars including Marilyn Monroe, Bob Hope, Buster Keaton, Milton Berle, Bette Davis, and Nat King Cole. In a philanthropic gesture, Edwards also invited ordinary people to appear as guests to help them raise money for their charities.

Ralph Edwards Productions produced more than 20 shows including “It Could Be You,” “Place the Face,” and “Name that Tune” and introduced, in conjunction with Stu Billet Productions, the court TV genre, starting with “The People’s Court.”

He began his career at San Francisco’s CBS 5 in 1982 as a lead reporter and began anchoring weekend newscasts in the mid-1980s. He won numerous awards for his work both on the air and in the community and won an Emmy for his coverage of San Francisco's Bay to Breakers race.

Before that, he was a sports reporter at KTRK-TV in Houston and WBNS-TV in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio.

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UPDATE YOUR RECORDS
Please remember to keep your address – including email – current with the Health & Retirement Funds, as well as with your AFTRA local. Members who want to change their addresses with both the union and H&R can get a multi-use change of address form from their local office. You can also change your information with the union only online on the AFTRA website, click on the members only button.

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PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY!
Protect yourself from the growing problem of identity theft. Avoid using your Social Security number on any public document. Use your AFTRA Performer ID Number (that’s the number on your AFTRA Membership Card, not the number on your AFTRA Health and Retirement Card) whenever you fill out audition sign-in sheets, member reports, or send correspondence to the union. Do not put your Social Security number on resumes or headshots. If you can’t find your AFTRA Membership Card, call your local AFTRA office.

If you are communicating with the AFTRA H&R Funds, use your participant ID number located on your AFTRA Health Fund card. If you have a question about your participant ID number for AFTRA H&R purposes, contact the Funds office directly at (800) 562-4690.

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