SAG Statement on the death of Nick Counter
However, the Screen Actors Guild issued a statement tonight, “It is with sadness that we mark the passing of long time industry colleague Screen Actors Guild, Nick Counter.I understand that nobody in the forum of the SAG, which clashed with the AMPTP, Nick Counter during the long and bitter 2008/2009 round of negotiations by United Force / New York / regional divisions came to power are allowed to express their opinion about his death.
Sitting at his table was never easy, but Nick was always able to balance the relentless pursuit of the negotiating objectives with clear respect for the actors and admiration for their unique contribution to art and entertainment businesses. Strangely, as soon negotiated against, SAG National Executive Director David White joined the newly elected SAG president, Ken Howard in issuing the following statement: “Nick Counter was a giant of industrial relations, whose approval will be mourned throughout the entertainment industry. Your time head of the AMPTP tenure was marked by reason, compassion and flashes of ironic humor. His death is a tremendous loss and our hearts and our sympathies are with his wife Jackie, his family, and our colleagues from the AMPTP.
Nick really set the bar high for anyone who strives to improve our entertainment industry, while taking care of employees who do the work. Member SAG are indebted to him, especially his leadership in the SAG – Producers of P & H plans where financial advice and guidance helped to protect and strengthen health care and pensions so vital to our producer members. Screen Actors Guild Adviser John McGuire was quoted as saying: “Throughout his years as leader of the AMPTP, Nick made that balance organizational, leadership and a commitment to find ways to keep the industry working for the benefit of all. We have lost a true professional and a true friend.equal weight was his participation in the creation of SAG IACFO fund has provided a vital need of assistance to many SAG and Industry of affirmative action and assistance programs.
He never lost sight of the purpose of collective bargaining, which was to reach a fair agreement. Former SAG Executive Director Ken Orsatti, said, “Nick and I sat at the table of negotiations with each other through six Screen Actors Guild Screen TV and theatrical contract negotiations from 1983 to 1998. Nick was a formidable opponent and is always fully prepared, always creative and, above all, a consummate professional. For all that time, both parties were able to achieve that goal without a work stoppage. Nick will be sorely missed.