At the risk of starting a flame-war: I understand that members of AFTRA become members of the soon-to-be-merged union. Cool. But what if you're Fi-core. Do you become a Fi-Core member of the new union?

Ask Bob Bergen. He can probably give you the answer to that question.

I know he's super pro-union, so I didn't want to bother him with it.

But he still might know the answer to your question.

Hi Jeffrey, I will talk to a actor friend of my who is on the board of AFTRA in Louisiana, but I am sure you have same in your state?

I'm sure. Just wondered if anyone had the answer offhand.

I will let you know when I hear back... you raise a very inneresting (sic) point :)

Don't quote me but I'm sure I read somewhere that Fi-Core members won't get automatically enrolled into the new merged union.

Well, Andrew...if that's true...that's gotta break a federal law somewhere I'd think

that would be my guess as well, since the unions don't like fi-core but are forced to deal with them, by law.

abbo-lutely....and since I just joined AFTRA...that's my hope

‎Tom Daniels posted the following in this group (search for FICOR) within this group to find the post: "Union VO's. It has come to my attention that AFTRA members will automatically become joint SAG members as the merger completes. Of course your dues will increase. I would assume that the same goes for SAG members as well, but check with your union rep to be sure. On the flip side of that coin, I was also informed that FICOR (Dues paying non-members of AFTRA or SAG) most likely will not automatically be included in the merger as dues paying non-members of the other union entity, meaning if you seek union bookings in both realms you will probably be required to pay individual dues to both unions."

‎"both" unions? Isn't the whole point that there will be only one after the merger?

I must admit that I was confused too Jeff. Perhaps Tom can clarify.

I've talked to Mr. Bergen, and fi-core members will be full members of the new union and will have to choose to be fi-core again.

That's right - I asked a board member and this was the response: "The hope is that all Fi-Core non-members will become members in good standing of the new union. If we all stick together, we have a better chance of organizing the non-union work and getting strong contracts. To that end, if you are a member of one union, but a Fi-Core non-member in the other union, you will automatically be a member of the new union. If you still want to be a Fi-Core non-member of SAG-AFTRA, you will have to go through the process all over again."

Thanks, Ex. That's what I thought.

That is very interesting. Sounds like a real push for solidarity.