Davis, Samuelsen Address SAG-AFTRA Rally at NBC Studios

OCTOBER 3 – More than 300 TWU members from across the country brought strong solidarity to the SAG-AFTRA picket line outside of NBC studios today as the union began bargaining again with TV and motion picture management. A huge crowd of striking SAG-AFTRA members were joined by TWU Brothers and Sisters as we jammed 49th Street at Rockefeller Center.

SAG-AFTRA New York Local Executive Director Rebecca Damon introduced us with the following words: “While some people were busy watching Netflix on their couches [during the recent floods], these were the people who came to work so that the doctors and nurses could get people taken care of. That is no small thing. For me, when I hear the TWU, I think of heroes, because that is what they are, and that is one of the reasons why their support means so much to me today."

“They have been showing up on our picket lines from the very first week,” she added. “They put other unions to shame, and I need to thank them."

TWU Local 100 President Richard Davis then led the crowd in a “SAG-AFTRA Strong” cheer. He also gave shout out to the over 20 TWU Locals who were present at the rally in solidarity with the striking actors and techs.

“It's my absolute pleasure to be with you in solidarity from Local 100 and all of the TWU,” he said. “We have to make sure that SAG-AFTRA and its members get their fair due, and get the contract they deserve. We are united with you and we’re here to fight.”

Dozens of Local 100 members, including VP’s Robert Kelley, Canella Gomez, Shirley Martin, JP Patafio, and Don Yates were also on hand marching on the line. International President John Samuelsen also addressed the crowd, calling the Hollywood and entertainment magnates who fighting the Union’s demands “miserable bastards.”

He said: “We know about miserable bastards. We deal with them every day. And we know how to fight back against them. And this is how you win a fight: you kep throwing punches viciously, relentlessly, endlessly, until you land one that decks the boss.  That’s how you do it. And that’s how you win. And you’re winning this fight now.”