DGA National Executive Director Jay Roth, already one of the longest-serving union leaders in Hollywood, will be staying on awhile longer. Roth, who has headed the DGA for the past 20 years, has had his contract extended through 2017.
“Twenty years ago, we were able to coax Jay out from a highly successful private practice,” said DGA President Paris Barclay. “He’s since been the primary architect of our collective bargaining agreements for seven cycles, establishing transformative creative and economic gains for directors and their teams. DGA members have benefited unbelievably from his wisdom and negotiating prowess in this ever-changing industry. Under Jay’s leadership, we continue to look forward.”
Roth, the DGA’s chief contract negotiator, has led the guild’s past seven rounds of film, TV and commercial contract talks – oftentimes setting the pattern of bargaining for Hollywood’s other unions to follow – without once having to take the union out on strike.
Since 1995 he has spearheaded efforts to modernize the 16,000-member union’s operations and refocused the management of its core functions, including collective bargaining, organizing, jurisdiction and member support. He also has been an outspoken leader in the guild’s ongoing efforts to increase job opportunities for women and minority guild members.
“I’m honored by the guild’s vote of confidence in my service to the membership,” said Roth. “At the DGA, we’ve never wavered in our mission to advance the creative and economic rights of our members. Amidst an increasingly complex and globalizing industry, we are united in our resolve and ready to advance that mission as we prepare to enter negotiations with employers in the coming future.”
Roth also is the chairman of the DGA Pension and Health Plans and co-chair of its Finance Committee, which — jointly with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and other industry producers — administers a $3 billion pension and health fund for 21,000 participants and their families. He is also treasurer of the Motion Picture & Television Fund and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
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