DIGITAL MEDIA LAW OPINES ON THE ROSENBERG/SAG LAWSUIT

Jonathan Handle reports on the on-going lawsuit filed by ex-President Alan Rosenberg and current VP Anne Marie Johnson against The Screen Actor's Guild.

Alan Rosenberg is no longer president of SAG, nor even a national board member, but his lawsuit against his own union drags on pointlessly. Believe it or not, he’s still trying to undo Doug Allen’s firing, the appointment of David White, the ratification of the TV/theatrical contract and, no doubt, the discovery of a new ring around Saturn. That last is probably a particularly bitter blow for the ex-president.

Rosenberg and his fellow Membership First plaintiffs 1st VP Anne-Marie-Johnson and board members Diane Ladd and Kent McCord might see some reason to continue the charade, but the Court of Appeal is apparently more skeptical: in a one-paragraph letter to counsel last week, the court asked both sides’ lawyers to be prepared to discuss at oral argument whether the appeal is moot, given that the SAG board reaffirmed Allen’s dismissal and White’s appointment, and the membership at large ratified the TV/theatrical agreement.

Read more HERE at Digital Media Law.

SAG'S CONTRACT TALKS DISTRUPTED BY LAWSUIT BY PRESIDENT ALAN ROSENBERG

SAG'S CONTRACT TALKS WITH AMPTP DERAILED BY ROSENBERG, JOHNSON, MCCORD AND LADD. INTERIM NATIONAL DIRECTOR DAVID WHITE SENDS MEMO TO MEMBERS EXPLAINING.

Dear Screen Actors Guild member,

As you know, the Guild was scheduled to resume negotiations today regarding the expired TV/Theatrical contract. However, that meeting had to be postponed due to a legal matter that has been brought against the Guild, which is now before a state court in Los Angeles. I am writing to present you with information about this development.

Yesterday, the Guild received notice that President Alan Rosenberg, 1st Vice President Anne-Marie Johnson and National Board members Kent McCord and Diane Ladd filed a lawsuit against the Guild challenging the January 26, 2009 “written assent” presented by a majority of the National Board of Directors. As you know, that written assent terminated the Guild’s relationship with its then-National Executive Director; created and appointed a national task force to advise the Chief Negotiator and the Board on the TV/Theatrical negotiations; named John T. McGuire as Chief Negotiator; and named me as Interim National Executive Director. If successful, this legal action could impact or even reverse those board actions.

As a result, attorneys for Screen Actors Guild appeared this morning in Los Angeles Superior Court to respond to the lawsuit. After hearing from attorneys representing the plaintiffs, as well as the response from SAG counsel, the Court ruled that the lawsuit was procedurally defective and refused to issue the requested injunction.

The Plaintiffs’ counsel then stated that they intend to amend their documents and resubmit them this Thursday morning, February 5, 2009. The Guild will present a vigorous defense.The Guild understands the importance of concluding negotiations and securing a fair contract for SAG members and looks forward to re-engaging with the AMPTP as soon as possible. In the meantime, the Guild continues to work in the service of its members, with focus, dedication and commitment.

David White
Interim National Executive Director