SAG-AFTRA negotiates contracts that cover the work of media professionals in front of a camera or behind a microphone.

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Contracts Page

Our Contracts
Theatrical
Television
Netflix
Commercials
New Media
Corporate/Educational
Dubbing
Music Videos
Interactive (Video Game)
Sound Recordings
Broadcast

What is Collective Bargaining?

Our Bargaining Partners

Contract Negotiation Process

The Talent Agency “Franchise”

Talent Managers

Our Contract Negotiation Process

How a major contract is negotiated or renegotiated:

1. Hold W&Ws
   Wages & Working Conditions Meetings where members suggest contract proposals to the negotiating committee.

   • Meetings are usually held right before negotiations.

   • Managed by Presidentially appointed W&W Chair.

   • Negotiating Committee members are often chosen from the W&Ws.

   • W&Ws are held in every Local and by a caucus of every member category affected by the contract.

   • Members share their experience working the contract.

   • Members make motions for negotiation proposals.

   • Members in attendance vote on motions.

   • Passed motions are passed along to the Negotiating Committee.

2. Form the Negotiating Committee (NegCom)
   The National President then seats the Negotiating Committee to handle negotiations.

   • National President appoints the Chair and seats the Committee.

   • 17 voting members + 17 alternates to sub in if needed.

   • National Board must vote to approve the composition of the committee.

   • No requirement for every member category affected by the contract to be represented on the committee.

3. Hold a “Plenary”
   The Negotiating Committee meets to prioritize member and staff contract proposals.

   • Negotiating Committee reviews all the passed W&W motions and staff proposals.

   • Priorities for the negotiation are voted on and chosen.

   • Staff prepares the negotiation “package” of proposals and discussion items.

   • The package then goes to the National Board for approval.

4. Negotiation
   The NegCom negotiates with an Employer or its assigned Bargaining Entity (AMPTP & JPC).

   • Commercials negotiation takes place in New York.

   • All other negotiations take place in Los Angeles.

   • Committee Members vote on bargained terms throughout negotiations.

   • If a deal is not reached before the contract expires, traditionally the prior contract terms continue until a new deal is made.

   • To put additional pressure on the employer to offer better terms, the union may ask its members for a strike authorization. A strike authorization requires approval by 75% of voting members. If approved, it empowers the union to call a strike, if necessary, and require its members to stop working for that employer until a deal is reached.

5. National Board Approval
   If a deal is reached, it is presented to the National Board for approval.

   • The NegCom presents the terms of the deal to the National Board Members.

   • The National Board Members discuss and debate the deal points.

   • The contract is approved or rejected by a simple majority vote.

   • If 33% of the National Board Members vote against the contract, a minority report may be included in the Referendum Booklet.

   • A minority report provides the National Board Members who dissent an opportunity to share their reasons with the membership.

   • If the NB rejects the contract, the NegCom must return to the negotiating table to attempt to get a better deal.

6. Member Ratification
   Upon NB approval, the contract is sent to the members for a ratification vote.

   • The terms of the contract are shared with the members in the form of a Referendum Booklet online and via email.

   • Members vote “Yes” or “No” online by the deadline.

   • The contract is approved or rejected by a simple majority vote.

   • Electronic voting is handled by a third party, currently Integrity Voting Systems in Washington State.

   • If the members reject the contract, the NegCom must return to the negotiating table to attempt to get a better deal.

7. Done Deal
   If the members approve the contract, it becomes effective for the full term of the contract.

   • Traditionally, when a contract is approved, our staff and our bargaining partners draft either a new CBA with all the contract language or draft a new MOA, which includes only the new changes to the existing CBA.

   • The new contract is in force until the end of the contract term.

   • A union may not strike until a contract expires.

   • Issues that come up with a contract during its effective term are addressed by the Negotiating Committee, which becomes a Standing Committee.