SAG-AFTRA, the union representing professional actors, announced on Thursday that it has reached a tentative agreement with the major broadcast networks and other producers on the National Code of Fair Practice for Network Television Broadcasting (Network Television Code).
The agreement generates more than $239 million a year in covered member earnings and includes all non-dramatic programming on broadcast as well as digital media. The Net Code covers such programs as morning news shows, talk shows, serials (soap operas), variety, reality, game shows, sports and promotional announcements.
Current programs covered by this contract include “Good Morning America,” “The Price is Right,” “The Young and the Restless,” “Beyond the Gates,” “Jeopardy!” “Saturday Night Live,” “The Voice,” “Dancing With the Stars,” “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver,” “General Hospital,” “Days of our Lives,” “The Bold and the Beautiful,” the Academy Awards and the Super Bowl, among others.
The agreement will now go before the SAG-AFTRA National Board for consideration, with details contained in the tentative agreement to be released following the Board vote at an upcoming meeting.
After last year’s extension of the 2021-2024 agreement (through June 30, 2025), the networks and producers were committed to beginning negotiations on a full three-year successor agreement, which culminated with today’s tentative agreement.
The following additions were made as part of last year’s extension:
- All minimum rates shall be increased by 7% (including program fees, extra rehearsal rates, excess work day rates and overtime rates) for all classifications other than background actors and stand-ins.
- Minimum rates for background actors and stand-ins shall be increased by 11% (including program fees, extra rehearsal rates, excess work day rates and overtime rates).
- The contribution rate for the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan is increased by 0.5% effective Jan. 1, 2025.
- Substantial protections in artificial intelligence, similar to what was achieved in TV/Theatrical and Television Animation negotiations.
The union’s negotiating committee consists of principal performers, background actors, stand-ins, promo announcers, singers and dancers.