In national voting completed on Wednesday (7/22), members of SAG-AFTRA ratified the 2020 TV/Theatrical agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Members approved the new, three-year contracts covering motion pictures, television and new media production by a vote of 74.22% to 25.78% percent with a turnout of 27.15%.
In addition to codifying meaningful wage increases, improvements to funding for the benefit plans and significantly improved residuals for streaming video, the agreement includes new protections governing nudity, simulated sex scenes and sexual harassment prevention.
The agreement becomes effective retroactive to July 1, 2020 and expires June 30, 2023.
SAG-AFTRA president and Negotiating Committee chair Gabrielle Carteris said, “I am grateful for the many members who got involved and used their voices to help set the priorities for this contract. This is a forward thinking agreement that builds on the changing realities of the streaming business and positions our union to continue the fight for a safer workplace for all.” ​
SAG-AFTRA national executive director David White said, “I want to thank the negotiating committee and the many members who gave their input into this process. Your voices were critical to achieving the important gains we made in this agreement. I also want to recognize the incredible dedication and commitment of our staff who worked so diligently throughout this negotiation.”
Votes were submitted online and by mail-in ballot. The final vote was certified by Integrity Voting Systems, an impartial election service based in Everett, Washington.
Formal negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers began April 27 and reached a tentative agreement on June 11. On Monday, June 29, the SAG-AFTRA National Board met and voted by a supermajority to approve the agreements and recommend a “Yes” vote.
