In a national vote concluded yesterday, members of the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) ratified the 2023 TV/Theatrical Agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
The new multi-year contracts, covering television, theatrical, and streaming production, received approval from 78.33% of members, with a turnout of 38.15%.
STAY INFORMED! GET INSPIRED!
Subscribe to our FREE weekly elert and get the latest news from advertising, entertainment, production and post!
The agreement, a product of negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP, marks a transformative development in the contract, boasting over $1 billion in new compensation and benefits plan funding. It introduces substantial enhancements to traditional residual formulas, a novel compensation model for performers engaged in streaming projects, comprehensive informed consent and compensation regulations for AI usage, and measures addressing equity in hair and makeup, as well as sexual harassment prevention.
Fran Drescher, SAG-AFTRA President, expressed pride in the membership’s engagement and unity throughout the negotiation process. “I’m proud of our SAG-AFTRA membership. They struck for 118 days to grant the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee the necessary leverage to secure over $1 billion in gains, along with the union’s first-ever protections around AI technology. Now they’ve locked in the gains by ratifying the contract. SAG-AFTRA members have remained incredibly engaged throughout this process, and I know they’ll continue their advocacy throughout our next negotiation cycle. This is a golden age for SAG-AFTRA, and our union has never been more powerful.”
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator, explained that the agreement reflects members’ demands for fair compensation, protection from AI technology misuse, strengthened benefit plans, and equitable treatment. “SAG-AFTRA members demanded a fundamental change in the way this industry treats them: fairness in compensation for their labor, protection from abusive use of AI technology, strengthened benefit plans, and equitable and respectful treatment for all members, among other things.”
Crabtree added, “This new contract delivers on these objectives and makes substantial progress in moving the industry in the right direction. By ratifying this contract, members have made it clear that they’re eager to use their unity to lay the groundwork for a better industry, improving the lives of those working in their profession. In any democratic institution, there will be disagreement at times. But no one should mistake the robust debate and democracy within SAG-AFTRA for any lack of unity in our purpose or mission: to protect and advance the cause of SAG-AFTRA members, now and forever.”
REELated:
Votes were cast online and through mail-in ballots, with a final vote certification by Integrity Voting Systems. The agreement is effective retroactively from Nov. 9, 2023, and will expire on June 30, 2026.
Formal negotiations commenced on June 7, 2023, concluding initially on July 12, 2023. A strike was initiated by the union on July 14, lasting 118 days until Nov. 9. The parties resumed negotiations twice in October before reaching an official conclusion on Nov. 8. The SAG-AFTRA National Board approved the agreements on Nov. 10, with an 86% majority, recommending a “yes” vote from the members.
For Reel 360 News’ full strike coverage, click here.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
