SAG-AFTRA has recently reached a tentative agreement with Hollywood studio executives, bringing an end to a nearly four-month-long strike. The deal, which is currently up for ratification vote, includes several key provisions that would benefit union members.
One of the major highlights of the agreement is the wage increase for actors. If ratified, the agreement would see a 7 percent bump in wages right away, followed by a 4 percent increase in July 2024 and an additional 3.5% increase in July 2025. Background actors will also see a wage increase of 11 percent as of November 12, with subsequent 4 percent and 3.5% increases in July 2024 and July 2025, respectively.
In addition to wage increases, the deal also addresses the issue of streaming residuals. The agreement includes a bonus fund totaling $40 million a year for the deal’s three-year term to be paid out to actors on top of their normal streaming residuals. However, to be eligible for this bonus, the show or movie in question must meet certain criteria of “success.”
Furthermore, the agreement also tackles the use of artificial intelligence by studios. It requires “informed consent and compensation for the creation and use of digital replicas of our members, living and deceased, whether created on set or licensed for use.” This provision aims to protect the rights and interests of SAG-AFTRA members in the face of advancing technology in the entertainment industry.
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The deal also includes provisions for higher contributions toward SAG-AFTRA workers’ health and retirement benefits. Additionally, it addresses longstanding practices in hair and makeup that actors of color have called out as racist, such as “inappropriate wiggings and paintdowns.” To ensure a safe and respectful working environment, the agreement would require the use of intimacy coordinators for sex scenes and those involving nudity, or if an actor otherwise requests it.
The announcement of the tentative deal was met with the approval of the SAG-AFTRA National Board, with 86 percent of votes in its favor. Now, it is up to the members of the union to weigh in on the agreement. The voting period for ratification will open on Tuesday, November 14 and run until December 5, giving members the opportunity to voice their opinions and contribute to the decision-making process.
It is important to note that while the tentative agreement addresses many key issues, it is ultimately up to the union members to decide whether it meets their needs and expectations. Their votes will determine the final outcome of the agreement, and their input is crucial in shaping the future of the union and its relationship with the entertainment industry.
The ratification process provides an opportunity for members to engage in democratic decision-making and have a direct impact on the terms and conditions that govern their work. It is a chance for voices to be heard, concerns to be addressed, and collective action to be taken for the betterment of all union members.
As the voting period unfolds, the union will be closely monitoring the feedback and participation of its members, ensuring that the ratification process is fair, transparent, and representative of the diverse interests within the union. Ultimately, the goal is to reach an outcome that reflects the collective will of the membership and upholds the principles of fairness, equity, and solidarity that are fundamental to the union’s mission and values.
In conclusion, the tentative agreement between SAG-AFTRA and Hollywood studio executives represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to secure fair wages, protect the rights and interests of union members, and create a more inclusive and respectful working environment in the entertainment industry. The upcoming ratification vote will provide an opportunity for members to actively participate in shaping the future of their union and advocating for their collective interests. It is a crucial moment for democracy, solidarity, and empowerment within the union, and the outcome of the vote will have a lasting impact on the lives and livelihoods of all SAG-AFTRA members.
