After a 12-hour meeting, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has overwhelmingly approved a new deal to end the 10-month strike by its actors and other performers.
The strike, which began in October of last year, was primarily over pay and working conditions for actors in television, film, and digital platforms. It was a significant and highly-publicized labor dispute that affected the entertainment industry on a massive scale.
The new deal, which was approved by 96.9% of SAG-AFTRA members, includes significant pay increases for performers, improved working conditions, and stronger protections for actors in the rapidly growing digital streaming market. Under the new contract, actors will receive a 7% pay increase in the first year, followed by 3% increases in the second and third years.
Additionally, the deal includes improvements in travel expenses for actors who work on location, increased contributions to the union’s health and retirement plans, and stronger protections against harassment and discrimination on set.
The end of the strike is a huge relief for both the entertainment industry and the thousands of SAG-AFTRA members who have been out of work for almost a year. Production on numerous television shows and films was halted or delayed due to the strike, causing financial hardship for many actors and crew members.
SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris expressed her satisfaction with the new deal, stating, “This is a victory for our members and all of those who stood our with us during this fight. We stood strong and united, and we have emerged with a fair and equitable agreement that will benefit all performers.”
Industry leaders and production companies have also expressed their relief at the end of the strike, as the disruption caused by the labor dispute had significant financial and logistical implications. The new agreement is expected to bring stability and confidence back to the industry, allowing for the resumption of numerous projects that were put on hold during the strike.
The approval of this deal represents a significant step forward for actors and other performers in the entertainment industry, as it demonstrates their collective power and ability to negotiate for fair pay and working conditions. The successful resolution of this labor dispute sends a strong message to producers and executives that the voices and rights of performers cannot be ignored.
Overall, the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike and the approval of the new agreement is a positive development for all parties involved. It showcases the importance of collective bargaining and the ability of unions to effectively advocate for their members. With this new contract in place, actors and performers can now look forward to better working conditions, fair pay, and increased protections in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.