The 2019 SAG-AFTRA Agreement: What You Need to Know

The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is the largest entertainment union in the United States, representing more than 160,000 actors, journalists, and broadcasters. SAG-AFTRA negotiates collective bargaining agreements with producers, studios, and networks to ensure that its members receive fair wages and working conditions.

In 2019, SAG-AFTRA reached a new contract agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents major studios and networks. The new agreement covers a three-year period and includes significant improvements in wages, residuals, and pension and health contributions.

Here are some of the key provisions of the 2019 SAG-AFTRA Agreement:

1. Wage Increases

The new agreement provides for annual wage increases of 2.5% in each year of the contract. The minimum rate for actors and stunt performers will increase from $900 to $1,000 per day, and background actors will receive an 8.5% wage increase.

2. Residuals

One of the most important aspects of the new agreement is the increase in residuals, which are royalties paid to actors for the use of their work in reruns, streaming, and other media. The new agreement provides for a 300% increase in residuals for streaming and raises the residuals for syndication by 25%.

3. Pension and Health Contributions

The new agreement also includes an increase in pension and health contributions from employers. The contribution rate will increase from 17% to 18% of covered earnings, with a maximum earnings cap of $500,000 per performer. This will help ensure that SAG-AFTRA members have access to quality healthcare and retirement benefits.

4. Sexual Harassment and Misconduct

The new agreement also strengthens SAG-AFTRA`s response to sexual harassment and misconduct in the workplace. The agreement includes new provisions for reporting and investigating incidents of harassment, and it provides for the creation of a joint SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP committee to address issues of harassment and discrimination.

Overall, the 2019 SAG-AFTRA Agreement represents a significant victory for actors, stunt performers, and background actors. It provides for increased wages, improved residuals, and better access to healthcare and retirement benefits. It also strengthens SAG-AFTRA`s response to sexual harassment and misconduct in the workplace.