SAG-AFTRA negotiators have approved a tentative agreement that will end the longest actors strike against the film and TV studios in Hollywood history.
The 118-day strike is officially coming to a close, as announced by the union on Wednesday. At 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, the strike will conclude. The union’s negotiating committee unanimously approved the deal, marking a significant milestone. The agreement is now set to undergo approval from the SAG-AFTRA national board on Friday.
In the final stages of negotiation, the two sides fine-tuned the details of the deal, which introduces groundbreaking protections for actors against artificial intelligence and includes a historic pay increase. The agreement entails a 7% increase in most minimums, surpassing the raises secured by the Writers Guild of America and the Directors Guild of America by two percent.
The comprehensive deal encompasses a “streaming participation bonus,” as highlighted in an email sent to SAG-AFTRA members, alongside increased contributions to pension and health benefits. The union values the contract at over $1 billion in total. a tentative agreement
In an email statement, the union expressed, “We have arrived at a contract that will enable SAG-AFTRA members from every category to build sustainable careers.” The positive impact is expected to extend to numerous performers, both present and future, benefiting from the terms outlined in the agreement.
To commemorate this achievement, the union is planning celebratory gatherings across the country. Kevin E. West, a committee member, shared the emotional atmosphere within the committee room, describing “tears of exhilaration and joy” after the contract’s unanimous approval. Reflecting on the challenging two weeks of negotiations, West acknowledged the significance of the unanimous vote and expressed relief at reaching this milestone.