Key facts
- SAG-AFTRA members voted to ratify a new four-year contract with studios and streaming services.
- The contract was approved by over 90% of voting members.
- The new deal includes protections against the use of artificial intelligence.
- It also addresses better pay, benefits, and the security of members' benefit plans.
- The ratification averts potential strikes and provides labor stability.
Members of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new four-year contract with major studios and streaming services. This agreement, approved by over 90% of voting members, averts potential strikes and brings labor stability to the entertainment industry, following similar negotiations by the Writers Guild of America. The new deal, which is for four years instead of the typical three, includes significant gains in compensation, enhanced protections regarding the use of artificial intelligence and digital identity, and reinforces the long-term security of members' benefit plans. Union leaders state that provisions concerning AI performers require producers to demonstrate 'significant additional value' over live actors or digital captures, aiming to keep AI actor usage minimal. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) congratulated the union, highlighting the collaborative solutions achieved. The AMPTP is also in contract talks with the Directors Guild of America, whose contract expires June 30.