Two film industry unions have agreed to a proposed contract from Hollywood movie and television studios in a tentative deal that would eliminate the threat of an actors’ strike for at least three years.
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) reached the agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) after more than two months of negotiations.
The agreement announced early Sunday would increase benefit contributions to health and retirement funds by 10 percent, bringing the total contribution rate to 16.5. Wages would increase by six percent over the three-year span of the contract.
“We met our goal of increasing contributions to our retirement and pension plans,” AFTRA National President Roberta Reardon said in a statement. AFTRA represents 70,000 professional performers, broadcasters and recording artists.
SAG President Ken Howard added that strengthening the pension and health plans was a top priority in negotiations. SAG represents 125,000 actors.
The contract also promises expanded union coverage over new media productions.
The deal would become effective in July after current contracts expire. It must first be approved by a joint board for the unions. After that, the contract would be sent out to the unions’ memberships for a vote.
Disney Pledges $15 million In L.A. Fire Aid As More Celebs Learn They’ve Lost Their Homes
The Pacific Palisades wildfires torched the home of "This Is Us" star Milo Ventimiglia, perhaps most poignantly destroying the father-to-be's newly installed crib.
CBS cameras caught the actor walking through his charred house for the first time, standing in what was once his kitchen and looking at a neighborhood in ruin. "Your heart just breaks."
He and his pregnant wife, Jarah Mariano, evacuated Tuesday with their dog and they watched on security cameras as the flames ripped through the house, destroying everything, including a new crib.
"There's a kind of shock moment where you're going, 'Oh, this is real. This is happening.' What good is it to continue watching?' And then at a certain point we just turned it off, like 'What good is it to continue watching?'"
Firefighters sought to make gains Friday during a respite in the heavy winds that fanned the flames as numerous groups pledged aid to help victims and rebuild, including a $15 million donation pledge from the Walt Disney Co.
More stars learn their homes are gone
While seeing the remains of his home, Ventimiglia was struck by a connection to his "This Is Us" character, Jack Pearson, who died after inhaling smoke in a house fire. "It's not lost on me life imitating art."
Mandy Moore, who played Ventimiglia's wife on "This Is Us," nearly lost her home in the Eaton fire, which scorched large areas of the Altadena neighborhood. She said Thursday that part of her house is standing but is unlivable, and her husband lost his music studio and all his instruments.
Mel Gibson's home is "completely gone," his publicist Alan Nierob confirmed Friday. The Oscar winner revealed the loss of his home earlier Friday while appearing on Joe Rogan's... Read More