Last night, the negotiating committee representing the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) announced a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), bringing an end to a grueling 118-day strike.
The strike, which began amid a backdrop of industry unrest and overlapped with the recent 148-day writers’ strike that concluded in late September, has seen both sides come to terms.
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While the full details of the agreement have yet to be unveiled, the negotiating committee provided some key highlights, which suggest significant gains for SAG-AFTRA members:
- “Above pattern” pay increases: The agreement secured pay increases that surpass industry standards, ensuring better compensation for actors.
- Raises for background actors: Salary improvements are in store for background actors, a vital component of the industry.
- Increased caps on pension and health funds: A sign of enhanced funding and benefits for pension and healthcare among union members.
- Extra streaming compensation: The deal includes provisions for additional compensation when actors’ work is streamed across various platforms.
- AI protections: Notably, there are safeguards and compensation arrangements in place to address the use of artificial intelligence in the industry.
In response, the AMPTP released a statement of its own, characterizing the agreement as a significant turning point in labor negotiations. Highlights of their statement include:
- The biggest contract gains in the history of SAG-AFTRA: Indicating substantial advantages for union members and actors.
- Largest increase in minimum wages in 40 years: Minimum wages for actors are poised for a substantial boost.
- A new residual for streaming programs: The agreement introduces a new compensation structure for actors in the rapidly evolving world of streaming content.
- Consent and compensation protections for AI use: Addressing concerns around artificial intelligence, with provisions for consent and fair compensation.
- Sizable contract increases across the board: The agreement encompasses various aspects of the industry’s contracts, marking a comprehensive overhaul.
Both SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP expressed their contentment with the tentative agreement, with both parties eagerly anticipating the industry’s return to producing exceptional stories for audiences worldwide.
Read the full statement from SAG-AFTRA below:
“Dear SAG-AFTRA Members,
We are thrilled and proud to tell you that today your TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee voted unanimously to approve a tentative agreement with the AMPTP. As of 12:01 am on November 9, our strike is officially suspended and all picket locations are closed. We will be in touch in the coming days with information about celebration gatherings around the country.
In a contract valued at over one billion dollars in new wages and benefit plan funding, we have achieved a deal of extraordinary scope that includes “above-pattern” minimum compensation increases, unprecedented provisions for consent and compensation that will protect members from the threat of AI, and for the first time establishes a streaming participation bonus. Our Pension & Health caps have been substantially raised, which will bring much-needed value to our plans. In addition, the deal includes numerous improvements for multiple categories including outsize compensation increases for background performers, and critical contract provisions protecting diverse communities.
We have arrived at a contract that will enable SAG-AFTRA members from every category to build sustainable careers. Many thousands of performers now and into the future will benefit from this work.
Full details of the agreement will not be provided until the tentative agreement is reviewed by the SAG-AFTRA National Board.
We also thank our union siblings — the workers that power this industry — for the sacrifices they have made while supporting our strike and that of the Writers Guild of America. We stand together in solidarity and will be there for you when you need us.
Thank you all for your dedication, your commitment and your solidarity throughout this strike. It is because of YOU that these improvements became possible.
In solidarity and gratitude,
Your TV/TH Negotiating Committee
REELated:
The conclusion of the strike is a significant milestone in the entertainment industry, with the new terms benefitting actors and industry workers. The agreement marks a significant step forward in the relationship between labor unions and production companies, bringing stability and optimism to Hollywood.
Let’s get back to work!
For Reel 360 News’ full strike coverage, click here.
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