[NEohioPAL] Doug Allen steps down from SAG

[MARC MORITZ]

Oh yes...
With the tragedy that is out Economy and general madness...SAG acts like babies.
No wonder folks are leaving in droves...
 
Moritz


marc moritz
216-255-1120

--- On Tue, 1/27/09, DALE SHIELDS <ricardo2541 at msn.com> wrote:

From: DALE SHIELDS <ricardo2541 at msn.com>
Subject: Re: [NEohioPAL] Doug Allen steps down from SAG
To: neohiopal at listserve.com
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 8:42 PM




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This is the McNary article and some other information that follows from Johathan Handel who writes a Blog called SAG Watchdog. 

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: 
Date: Mon, Jan 26, 2009 at 11:24 PM
Subject: Doug Allen in the News
To: undisclosed-recipients







Variety






 Posted: Mon., Jan. 26, 2009, 2:11pm PT




Doug Allen steps down from SAG
Move follows brutal battle over negotiations

By DAVE MCNARY











Rosenberg

Allen



MORE ARTICLES:

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Netflix posts spike in profitsDoug Allen, the lightning rod at the center of the Screen Actors Guild's bitter polarization, has been fired as national exec director and chief negotiator. 
Allen's gig ended Monday afternoon; several hours earlier, the moderates had delivered "written assent" documents terminating him -- two weeks after a 28-hour filibuster by Allen's supporters thwarted his ouster.
"I am disappointed in the board's decision, which was made by written assent, and I am proud of my record," Allen said in an email to the board. "I wish Screen Actors Guild and its members success and I have been honored to serve them. I have particularly enjoyed leading the wonderful men and women on the SAG staff and serving with SAG's national president Alan Rosenberg and national secretary-treasurer Connie Stevens."
The moderates also replaced the negotiating committee -- a sign that a SAG feature-primtetime deal may be close. Sally Field, who's opposed Allen on several fronts for the past year, said she was relieved and hopeful.
"I'm sure it was a difficult decision to replace SAG's negotiators, but if the other entertainment unions can make a deal their members can live with, SAG can too -- and now I feel certain that will happen, quickly and productively," Field said.
Ten board members, including SAG New York president Sam Freed, brought the documents into SAG's Hollywood headquarters and met for an hour with SAG general counsel Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and outside counsel Robert Bush. The attorneys told the group that the written assent passed legal muster and that Allen had been fired.
The documents also provided that former SAG general counsel David White was installed as interim executive director and senior SAG adviser John McGuire as chief negotiator.
The moderates, representing 53% of the board, replaced the feature-primetime negotiating committee with a task force. The Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers, which made its final offer to SAG on June 30 as the contract expired, had no comment Monday.
Though Allen retained strong support among the hardline Membership First faction, the moderates believe he bungled the negotiations, keeping SAG without a deal on its key contract for nearly seven months. His ouster had been viewed as inevitable since the Jan. 12-13 meeting, with only the timing in question.
The filibuster was the final straw for the moderates, who said in their statement to members on Monday, "This unprecedented level of obstruction has paralyzed the guild."
Allen's departure doesn't mean the brutal internal battles within SAG will go away. Rosenberg, who's continued to defend the filibuster, called the moderates "gutless, dishonest and immoral" and said they should be blamed for deleveraging SAG and leaving it with what he expects will be an unacceptable contract.
"They've sabotaged Doug and wreaked havoc without taking responsibility," Rosenberg added. "This is the darkest day within my memory. It kills democracy at SAG."
The moderates consist of New York and regional reps plus members of the 8-month-old Unite for Strength faction in Hollywood. Rosenberg blasted the moderate coalition, asserting many of them don't work on the feature-TV contract.
"It's disconcerting that many of them do not have a real stake in the outcome," Rosenberg said.
That sort of insult has dominated the dialogue among SAG leaders over the past decade. Even after the moderates gained control of the board in September, Allen was widely perceived as being unwi lling to soften his negotiating stance -- even though major stars such as George Clooney and Tom Hanks were urging SAG to pull the plug on plans for a strike authorization.
The moderates stressed Monday that they had not wanted to oust Allen by going the written assent route but were left without an alternative due to the stalling tactics at the Jan. 12-13 meeting.
"In a meeting two weeks ago, a majority of the board sought to make the crucial changes now contained in the written assent but were derailed by president Alan Rosenberg and a minority of board members through endless parliamentary games and improper behavior," they noted.
Allen has been in his dual slot as national exec director and chief negotiator for two years. He has a year to go on his contract, which pays about $500,000 annually.
The moderates said the "written assent" step is included in SAG's constitution to allow a majority of the board to take action outside the boardroom if necessary.
"While extraordinary circumstances may require the use of written assent, we do not believe it is a desirable way to conduct guild business," they added. "In this case, the unrelenting obstruction by a minority of board members has left us no alternative."
The moderates did not address the issue of killing the twice-delayed strike authorization, which has become a divisive issue as more than 2,100 members declared publicly that they would oppose such a vote due to the souring economy. Allen and Rosenberg had insisted that such a vote -- which would have needed more than 75% affirmation from those voting to go into effect -- was crucial in order to force the companies to improve their final offer, particularly in new-media jurisdiction and residuals.
In the wake of the Jan. 12-13 meeting, Allen had offered a compromise that called for last-ditch negotiations with the AMPTP, followed by sending out the offer without a recommendation. Moderates ridiculed that strategy, saying they no longer trusted Allen.
It's uncertain if the AMPTP will be willing to tweak its final offer when negotiations start. Insiders believe the congloms may be willing to close the deal by agreeing to SAG's demands to retain force majeure protections and pay the claims made by actors as a result of being idled as shows went dark during the WGA strike.
Allen, the longtime No. 2 exec at the NFL Players Assn., was hired at SAG in October 2006 -- a year after Membership First fired Greg Hessinger as national exec director when Rosenberg and Membership First came to power. He ran afoul of the moderates by penning a long article about AFTRA lowballing SAG in areas of shared jurisdiction and by attempting to reduce AFTRA's presence on joint negotiating committees -- leading to AFTRA splitting from SAG on the feature-primetime contract last year.
Allen's ouster will place a focus on the upcoming SAG elections in September. Rosenberg said Monday he was uncertain whether he'd seek a third two-year term as president but predicted that the moderates are moving toward resuming attempts to merge SAG with AFTRA.
The moderates also indicated Monday several other changes in how they'll operate, such as declaring that only White, McGuire, or their designee may communicate on behalf of SAG to other organizations, the general public or the press.
They also instructed SAG staff to develop and implement a fraud-proof security system to regulate the use of the voting remotes used during board meetings. A Membership First rep was discovered illegally using three remotes to cast votes during the Jan. 12-13 meeting.


********************************************************************************************************
DIGITAL MEDIA LAW

MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2009

SAG National Executive Director Firing – How it Went Down

The SAG board's moderate majority fired National Executive Director Doug Allen today by using a document signed by board members and called a "written assent." Much to my surprise, Allen chose not to fight and instead emailed the SAG staff acknowledging that he had been terminated and saying goodbye. A copy of the email is below.
Perhaps one reason Allen agreed so readily is that—as has not previously been reported—the assent provides that his contract will be paid out in full. The assent itself has not previously been released.However, I've received a copy. See below.
A natural question is how the process unfolded. I spoke to two sources close to the situation who laid out the following n arrative:
At around 11:00 a.m. Monday morning, a group of board members went to SAG's LA headquarters. The group included Unite for Strength leader Ned Vaughn, NY board member Sam Freed, board members Ken Howard, Pamela Reed, Stacey Travis, Gabrielle Carteris and two others whose names I don't know.
The group, which was not accompanied by counsel, presented the written assent to SAG General Counsel Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and SAG outside counsel Bob Bush—both of whom SAG President Alan Rosenberg had allegedly derided two weeks ago as "liars" who "don't know what [they're] talking about."
Crabtree-Ireland and Bush withdrew for 15-20 minutes with the document while the actors waited in the Foundation Room. The two lawyers then returned and acknowledged that the document was in order. Doug Allen then came to the meeting room and asked the actors if there was anything that any of them wanted to say to him directly.There was an awkward silence, then one of the actors answered "Thank you for your service." Allen replied "You're welcome," then stalked out, slamming the door.
Also worth noting: The written assent also dissolves the Negotiating Committee and replaces it with a 10-member task force. The Hollywoodmembers include three Membership First partisans: SAG President Alan Rosenberg, 1st VP Anne-Marie Johnson, and board member Clancy Brown; plus independent board member Morgan Fairchild, and Unite for Strength leader and board alternate Ned Vaughn.
Thus, Membership First retains a majority on the task force, just as they have within the Hollywood Division board itself (though not the national board). One hopes that they'll use their presence constructively, not obstructively. New York members of the task force are 2nd VP Sam Freed and board members Mike Hodge and Matt Servitto. The Regional (RBD) members are Mike Pniewski and Nancy Duerr,
———————–
Subscribe to my blog (jhandel.com) for more about SAG, or digital media law generally. Go to the blog itself to subscribe via RSS or email. Or, follow me on Twitter, friend me on Facebook, or subscribe to my Huffington Post articles.
———————–
From: Doug Allen
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2009 1:02 PM
To: Everyone Everywhere
Subject: Message from Doug Allen
I have been informed by SAG counsel that the National Board has terminated my employment as National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator of Screen Actors Guild. I am disappointed in the board's decision, which was made by written assent, and I am proud of my record as SAG's NED and Chief Negotiator.
I wish Screen Actors Guild and its members success and I have been honored to serve them. I have particularly enjoyed leading the wonderful men and women on the SAG staff and serving with SAG's National President Alan Rosenberg and National Secretary-Treasurer Connie Stevens.
I have made some wonderful friendships with many SAG elected leaders, members and staff and will cherish those friendships forever.
My best wishes to you all,
Doug Allen
———————–
[Here's the written assent]
Pursuant to the Screen Actors Guild Constitution, Article V, Section 1. (J.) (4.), the following actions are hereby authorized through written assent by a majority of the members of the SAG National Board of Directors.
I. Effective immediately, Doug Allen is terminated as an employee of Screen Actors Guild. Upon receipt of this document, he is to cease and desist in all work on behalf of this union. He is no longer the National Executive Director and has no authority to take any action, make any statement on behalf of this union or direct any Guild employee to take any action. Nor may he authorize the expenditure of any moneys which the Guild possesses. He is to immediately vacate the premises under the supervision of Bob Bush or, in his absence, such other person that the General Counsel may select, and may remove only his personal effects. Further, he is no longer Chief Negotiator of the TV/Theatrical or Commercials Contracts. The compensation due him under his contract will be paid in f ull, through its expiration date. This order will commence and satisfy any notice period regarding his employment termination applicable under his employment agreement.
II. Effective immediately, David White, former General Counsel of Screen Actors Guild, is hereby engaged as the Interim National Executive Director of Screen Actors Guild. In light of the vacuum created by the termination of NED Doug Allen, and the precarious position the Guild finds itself in, we deem it critical to hire an Interim NED with the industry experience, professional skills, and familiarity with the Guild's operations to immediately help us return this union to a stable footing.
III. Effective immediately, John T. McGuire, the Senior Adviser to Screen Actors Guild is hereby named Chief Negotiator for all contracts. In light of the vacuum created by the termination of Doug Allen, we deem it critical to appoint a Chief Negotiator with the professional skills, and standing in the industry to immediately step in and successfully complete the TV/Theatrical negotiations, the uncompleted Basic Cable, Animation and Interactive Agreements, and lead us through the imminent Commercial Contract negotiations. Mr. McGuire will, in consultation with Mr. White, be responsible for all contract negotiations and enforcement.
IV. Effective immediately until the October 2009 National Board Plenary, Guideline II of the=2 0National Committee Guidelines (dealing with Taskforces) is suspended.
V. Effective immediately, the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee is disbanded and is no longer authorized to continue negotiations on the TV/Theatrical Agreement or, because of its interrelated nature, the Live Action Basic Cable Agreement. In its place, a Taskforce is hereby formed to complete these negotiations on behalf of the Board of Directors. The Taskforce shall be comprised of the following 10 Members: HWD; Alan Rosenberg, Anne-Marie Johnson, Clancy Brown, Morgan Fairchild, Ned Vaughn, NY; Sam Freed, Mike Hodge, Matt Servitto, RBD; Mike Pniewski, Nancy Duerr, and 10 Alternates (to attend only if needed and at request of absent member): HWD; Stacey Travis, Leigh French, Jane Austin, NY; John Rothman, Sam Robards, RBD: Roy Costley, Molly Ballard, Abby Dylan, Katherine Howell, Mary McDonald-Lewis. The Taskforce will work with the Chief Negotiator, John McGuire, with the assistance of Ray Rodriguez and any staff of their choosing, to complete these
 negotiations and bring their recommendations back to the National Board.
VI. Effective immediately, no one other than the Interim National Executive Director and John T. McGuire, or their designee, is authorized to communicate on behalf of Screen Actors Guild to other organizations, the general public or the press on any subjects whatsoever, including the actions contained in this document. This pertains to all SAG sta ff and elected officers.
VII. Michelle Bennett and all staff in the Governance Department, under guidance from the Guild's general counsel, are hereby instructed to develop and implement a fraud-proof security system to regulate the use of the voting remotes used by Board members to cast their votes.
VIII. Effective immediately, the Guild retains the law firm of Schwartz, Steinsapir, Dohrmann & Sommers LLP to advise the National Board and represent the Guild in negotiation of the terms of a written contract with David White. The Guild further authorizes the payment of $10,000 to Schwartz, Steinsapir, Dohrmann & Sommers LLP as a deposit toward costs and fees incurred by the Guild, with the balance to be refunded to the Guild upon the termination of the firm's services.
IX. If any of the actions contained herein is deemed unenforceable under the Constitution and Bylaws of the Guild, all other actions shall remain valid and shall be implemented.
X. These actions are being authorized by separate written agreements of a majority of the members of the National Board of Directors pursuant to Article V, Section 1. (J.) (4.) of the SAG Constitution and Bylaws.
As provided for by Article V, Section 1. (J.) (4.) of the SAG Constitution and20Bylaws, I hereby give my written assent to the foregoing resolution in its entirety.
Signature __________________________________ Date ____________________
Board Member (Print Name) ___________________________________
Division ____________________________
Vote Weight ________

Dale R. Shields
ricardo2541 at msn.com











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