Before the commencement of approval voting on Tuesday, SAG-AFTRA has disclosed further details regarding its initial understanding with Hollywood workshop executives. The stars’ coalition revealed the contract on November 8, thereby concluding an almost four-month dispute.
According to the terms of the agreement, actors are set to receive three salary increases between the period of acceptance and July 2025: an immediate 7 percent raise, succeeded by a 4 percent increment in the subsequent year, and a 3.5% rise in the year following. Effective November 12, background actors will experience an 11% pay hike, with additional increases of 4% and 3.5% scheduled for July 2024.
Furthermore, the agreement includes provisions for certain performers whose work has been featured on streaming platforms, albeit at a significantly lower level than what the union had initially requested. As reported by Variety, apart from the regular streaming royalties, there will be a $40 million annual prize fund for the three-year duration of the deal allocated to actors. Nevertheless, the specific show or film must meet certain “success” criteria to qualify, leading to only a limited number of shows on these platforms, as highlighted by SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher during a press conference on Friday.
The deal also addresses the issue of “informed consent and compensation for the creation and use of modern likenesses of our individuals, both living and deceased, whether generated on existing or licensed for utilization,” particularly in relation to the utilization of artificial intelligence by producers. Additionally, it enhances contributions to the health and retirement benefits of SAG-AFTRA members and seeks to eliminate longstanding discriminatory practices in hair and makeup, such as “inappropriate wiggings and paintdowns,” which have been criticized by actors of color. The agreement also mandates the presence of intimacy coordinators for scenes involving nudity and sexual content, or upon an artist’s request.
Having garnered an 86 percent approval from the SAG-AFTRA National Board, the agreement has been ratified, allowing members the opportunity to provide feedback.
