SAG-AFTRA Approves Deal On 3-Year Contract, Ending 118-Day Strike
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strike has seemingly come to an end. On Wednesday night (Nov. 8), the union announced it has agreed to a tentative deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
A statement issued by SAG-AFTRA details key points in the three-year contract, valued at over one billion dollars. Although the strike is officially over, members must vote to ratify an agreement.
“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,” explained the TV/TH Negotiating Committee.
“For the first time it establishes a streaming participation bonus. Our Pension and 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.”
The strike is on record as one of the longest in history. Lasting over 100 days, production and promotion on major television and film projects ceased for nearly four months.
“The Billion+ $ Deal! 3X the last contract! New ground was broke everywhere! Ty sag aftra members for hanging in and holding out for this historic deal!” wrote union President Fran Drescher on Instagram sharing the news.
According to Variety, the union’s negotiating committee approved the deal unanimously, and the agreement will go to the SAG-AFTRA national board for approval on Friday. Previously, the longest actors strike lasted for 95 days in 1980.
On social media, talent and fans together rejoiced at the news with some confirming their projects would immediately pick up where they left off. Using X, a viewer reached out to Quinta Brunson asking if Abbott Elementary would soon begin filming season three. The actress and series creator responded with a meme featuring Tokyo Toni affirming “Well yes.”
California Governor Gavin Newsome shared a statement on the agreement on Wednesday night.
“For over 100 days, actors have been fighting for better wages and the health and pension benefits they deserve,” exclaimed the politician.
“This tentative agreement will benefit our economy statewide and kickstart a new wave of exciting projects. I am thankful that we can now get this iconic industry back to work, not only for our writers and actors but also the more than two million workers who power our world-class entertainment sector.”
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