SAG-AFTRA members have successfully secured a new multi-year TV and theatrical agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
According to a press release from the union, 38% of SAG-AFTRA members participated in the vote and the contract received overwhelming support with 78.33% in favour. The union celebrated this as a significant triumph, describing it as a major win in a statement posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
SAG-AFTRA Strike Longest in Actors' Union History
This achievement follows the conclusion of the Hollywood actors' strike on 9th November, marked by a tentative agreement reached between SAG-AFTRA's negotiating committee and the AMPTP. The strike, which commenced on 14th July, lasted for a record-breaking 118 days, making it the longest in the history of the actors' union.
The recently negotiated contract involves "over $1 billion in additional compensation and funding for benefit plans, coupled with significant improvements to the usual residuals formulas," as stated by the union.
Performers engaged with streaming services will experience a novel compensation model, enabling them to earn substantial bonuses in addition to the existing residual structures.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher Words
Furthermore, the agreement encompasses revised guidelines concerning consent, compensation safeguards for AI usage, equity in hair and makeup and various other provisions, according to the union. The deal also introduces "meaningful safeguards" for the casting process and implements new measures for preventing s*xual harassment.
Also Read: Halo Infinite’s New Co-Op Releases on 5th December
In the announcement, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher expressed her "pride" in the union's members. She commended their dedication during the 118-day strike, emphasizing that it provided the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee with the necessary leverage to secure over $1 billion in gains, including the union's inaugural protections related to AI technology.
Drescher noted that by ratifying the contract, the members have solidified these achievements. She highlighted the ongoing commitment and engagement of SAG-AFTRA members throughout the process and expressed confidence in their continued advocacy in the upcoming negotiation cycle.
Drescher characterized this period as a "golden age" for SAG-AFTRA, asserting that the union has never been more influential.
-Farheen Ali
