SAG-AFTRA Ratifies Historic Contract, Ending Prolonged Strike

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has officially ratified its contract with Hollywood studios, marking the end of a historic strike that significantly impacted the film and television industry throughout 2023. Nearly 78% of the union’s 160,000 members voted in favor of the new agreement, bringing a challenging period for Hollywood to a close.

The ratified deal includes several major victories for actors, addressing key issues such as pay increases, protections against the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), and bonuses related to streaming content. These provisions are collectively valued at more than $1 billion, reflecting the union’s successful negotiations on behalf of its members.

One of the most immediate benefits of the new contract is the significant wage increases for actors. Background actors will see an immediate 11% increase in their wages, while other actors will receive a 7% increase. These pay raises are designed to address the financial hardships faced by many performers in an industry that has become increasingly competitive and economically challenging.

A particularly notable achievement in the new agreement is the implementation of robust protections against the misuse of AI. Under the new terms, studios are prohibited from creating digital replicas of actors without their explicit consent. Additionally, actors will be compensated based on the specific type of work their digital replicas perform on screen. These protections ensure that actors maintain control over their likenesses and receive fair compensation for their use.

The contract also introduces a new $40 million fund to compensate performers for future viewings of their work on streaming platforms. This fund aims to address the evolving landscape of content consumption, ensuring that actors benefit from the continued popularity of their performances in the digital age.

The agreement includes provisions aimed at improving on-set conditions for actors. This includes the mandatory presence of intimacy coordinators for scenes involving nudity or sex, ensuring that these scenes are handled with the necessary sensitivity and professionalism. Furthermore, the contract includes measures to guarantee that all performers receive appropriate hair and makeup services, addressing long-standing issues of racial discrimination in these departments. Black actors and other actors of color have frequently reported being told that productions did not have the budget to style their hair properly, a practice that this new contract seeks to eliminate.

The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike was the longest work stoppage for film and television actors in U.S. history. It ran concurrently with the writers' strike, which also won important protections from studios. Both strikes highlighted the existential threats facing industry professionals, from inadequate compensation to the encroachment of AI technologies.

The ratification of this contract signifies a new chapter for Hollywood, one that promises better conditions and protections for actors. As the industry continues to evolve, these hard-fought gains will help ensure that performers are treated fairly and can continue to thrive in their careers.

In summary, the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike and the ratification of the new contract mark significant progress for actors in Hollywood. With substantial wage increases, strong AI protections, and enhanced on-set conditions, the new agreement addresses many of the pressing issues that led to the strike, setting a positive precedent for the future of the industry.