In the latest national officers election for SAG-AFTRA, members have voted to re-elect two top-ranking officers, Fran Drescher as president and Joely Fisher as secretary-treasurer. Their renewed two-year terms officially commenced today, solidifying their positions at the helm of the prominent entertainment industry union.
The election, which saw ballots sent out to 124,477 eligible voters on August 9, 2023, garnered a substantial response, with 28,430 ballots returned. This participation yielded a return rate of 22.84 percent.
Drescher secured the presidency with an impressive 23,080 votes, while challenger, Maya Gilbert-Dunbar, received 5,276 votes. In the election for secretary-treasurer, Fisher emerged victorious with 19,777 votes, while Peter Antico received 8,361 votes.
In an official statement, Drescher expressed her gratitude for being re-elected, saying, “I am honored to serve my union as president for another term. These are dynamic times, and as one member body, we will weather the storms, stand on our principles, and make sure our major contributions to this collaborative art form shall never again be diminished but rather be exalted.”
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Drescher underlined her commitment to equality within the union, stating, “Our main objective as a labor union must be to make sure everyone has equal opportunity to work.”
Fisher echoed these sentiments, emphasizing unity among performers during challenging times, stating, “I’m grateful for your trust in my work on behalf of my union siblings and steadfast in my commitment to you.”
Fisher acknowledged the unique moment and the overwhelming support received during the election, pledging to work alongside President Drescher to usher in a new era for SAG-AFTRA.
SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland welcomed the re-elected officers, expressing his eagerness to collaborate on union initiatives and goals that will benefit from their continued leadership.
With their re-elections, Drescher and Fisher are poised to continue their leadership roles in guiding SAG-AFTRA through an evolving and turbulent landscape as the SAG-AFTRA strike has now reached 56 days.
