2020s

2020

• Gabrielle Carteris continues as SAG-AFTRA president.
• Jan 6-7: SAG-AFTRA partners with AFL-CIO to bring together labor, entertainment and technology leaders for the 2nd Annual Labor Innovation & Technology Summit, held in Las Vegas during CES.
• Jan. 19: Robert De Niro receives the 56th SAG Life Achievement Award at the 26th Annual SAG Awards. 
• Jan. 29: SAG-AFTRA unveils landmark industry standards and protocols for the use of intimacy coordinators.
• Feb. 28: Members, elected leaders and sister unions rally outside Spanish Broadcasting System’s Los Angeles office in a call to fairly negotiate SBS’ first collective bargaining agreement.
• Also on Feb. 28, the union releases a statement to members addressing the first outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
• March 9: SAG-AFTRA announces a new program that gives members the option to donate residual payments to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation through direct deposit.
• March 11: The SAG-AFTRA National Board convenes, approves the Corporate/Educational & Non-Broadcast Tentative Agreement.
• March 12: The SAG-AFTRA Health Plan waives copays, deductibles and co-insurance for COVID-19 testing. 
• March 13: All SAG-AFTRA in-person offices close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The work of the union continues remotely, while residuals processing continues via essential workers at Los Angeles headquarters. Offices remain closed through early 2022.
• March 20: A coalition of arts, entertainment and media unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO’s Department of Professional Employees call for Congress to pass emergency relief legislation for workers.
• March 23: SAG-AFTRA releases video and a podcast episode about initial COVID-19 relief efforts available. 
• March 30: SAG-AFTRA introduces the Dues Relief Extension program for members impacted by COVID-19 work loss. Under the program, members can delay their May dues payment. Dues Relief Extension is ultimately renewed through the 2021 dues periods.
• April 17: SAG-AFTRA, in conjunction with leading music rights organizations, joins forces with the California Legislature to support amendments to Assembly Bill 5, or the “Gig-Economy Law.”  
• April 20: SAG-AFTRA, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the American Federation of Musicians, the Directors Guild of America, the Writers Guild of America and Teamsters release a statement on the impact the pandemic has had on union workers. 
• April 24: SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers commence negotiations for the TV/Theatrical Agreement. Because of COVID-19, the negotiations take place virtually. 
• May 4: The AFM & SAG-AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund announces record-breaking royalty payments for session musicians and singers.
• May 12: In a livestream with SAG-AFTRA and IATSE, U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-California, addresses inquiries from union performers about COVID-19 economic relief.  
• May 13: To address COVID-19 safety concerns, SAG-AFTRA announces that Los Angeles County Director of Public Health Jonathan E. Fielding will act as an advisor for the SAG-AFTRA Blue Ribbon Commission on Safety.
• May 27: SAG-AFTRA, IATSE and the DGA release a joint statement of collaboration on back-to-work protocols.
• May 31: President Gabrielle Carteris and National Executive Director David P. White release a statement on the murder of George Floyd and vow to continue the union’s work in addressing racism and promoting social justice. On June 11, the two urge police unions to disavow police brutality and racial injustice. 
• June 1: SAG-AFTRA announces the beginning of its collaborative work with sister unions and political leaders through the Industrywide Labor-Management Safety Committee Task Force’s Production Health and Safety Guidelines. In a press release, the union details the timeline for submission of the white paper report to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and other state leaders.
• June 5: SAG-AFTRA releases statement in support of a free press. 
• June 11: SAG-AFTRA secures tentative agreement on 2020 TV/Theatrical contracts with the AMPTP.
• June 12: SAG-AFTRA, in conjunction with fellow sister unions, release The Safe Way Forward joint report. The 36-page document outlines scientifically backed protocols for safety on sets. 
• June 19: Following the Los Angeles Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ upholding of a decision preventing enforcement of Assembly Bill 1687 as unconstitutional, SAG-AFTRA renews efforts to uphold the decision, which would require subscription-based entertainment casting/hiring databases such as IMDbPro to remove paid subscribers’ date-of-birth information from its websites, including IMDb.com, upon request.
• June 30: The SAG-AFTRA Broadcast Steering Committee calls for more diversity in newsrooms. 
• July 20 - In conjunction with a broad coalition of arts and entertainment unions and organizations, the union announces its support of the Mixed Earner Unemployment Assistance Act of 2020.
• July 21: Union premieres anti-hate PSA addressing COVID-19-related harassment faced by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. 
• July 22: SAG-AFTRA members vote to ratify the SAG-AFTRA 2020 TV/Theatrical agreement.
• July 26: SAG-AFTRA mourns the passing of founding member Olivia de Havilland.
• July 29: SAG-AFTRA praises the California court ruling affirming member Ashley Judd's right to pursue a sexual harassment suit against Harvey Weinstein.
• Aug. 18: SAG-AFTRA and 11 other arts and entertainment organizations and unions send a letter to the Trump administration advocating for changes to the CARES Act’s Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program to help mixed-earner workers.
• Sep. 2: Members vote to ratify the 2020 SAG-AFTRA TV Animation Contracts. 
• Sep. 9: SAG-AFTRA announces its support of National Public Radio members’ call for diversity, equality and inclusion within the organization. 
• Sep. 14: SAG-AFTRA decries the actions of the Los Angeles Police Department following the arrest of broadcast member Josie Huang.
• Sep. 21:  The Return to Work Agreement is announced, directing the adoption of COVID-19 testing and protocols for film and television productions to resume. Unprecedented coordination and solidarity between the unions and collaboration with employers safely get members back to work. SAG-AFTRA, the Directors Guild of America, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Basic Crafts together with the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers worked jointly on this agreement and will go on to update and extend the RTW agreement during the coming years. 
• Oct. 5: SAG-AFTRA unveils its get-out-the-vote campaign and encourages members to register to vote and volunteer at the polls.  
• Oct. 6: SAG-AFTRA’s automated residuals payment program reaches its millionth deposit, with over $200 million in residual checks sent directly to members.  
• Oct. 7: SAG-AFTRA announces two booklets that fully address nudity and intimate scenes on set: Quick Guide for Scenes Involving Nudity and Simulated Sex and Sex, Nudity & You.
• Oct. 8: In consideration of the continued stagnation in production due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SAG-AFTRA extends the Dues Extension Program. 
• Oct. 9: SAG-AFTRA releases statement addressing jurisdiction issues with sister union Actors’ Equity Association, reaffirms its historic and traditional jurisdiction in recording or broadcast of live theater productions.
• Oct. 14: In a press release, SAG-AFTRA announces that independent publisher Bronzeville Books, through its sister LLC, Bronzeville Pictures, will begin producing covered audio recordings effective immediately .
• Oct. 17: SAG-AFTRA releases a second statement regarding jurisdiction issues with the AEA. In it, the union reaffirms its historic jurisdiction over recordings and broadcasts of live theater productions, outlines failed attempts at mediation with the AEA and announces the filing of a formal complaint with the Associated Actors and Artistes of America, commonly known as the 4As.
• Oct. 23: Content creators at Newark Public Radio (WBGO) officially unionize with SAG-AFTRA following an agreement between the union and Newark Public Radio. The new 22-member bargaining unit of content creators includes producers, hosts, anchors and reporters.  
• Oct. 30: The National Board approves the appointment of a task force to investigate current practices for fair and equitable hiring practices within the stunt community. 
• Nov. 5: SAG-AFTRA and employers within the video game industry agree to a two-year extension of the 2017 Interactive Media Agreement through Nov. 7, 2022.
  Also, the union files a Statement of Claim and Demand for Arbitration pursuant for compensation due for reuse of photography or soundtrack from the series The Talking Dead. Union stunt workers are urged to provide information for the claim. 
• Nov. 9: The Statement of Claim and Demand for Arbitration for The Talking Dead concludes with the union winning the suit and union stunt performers being awarded compensation for the use of their images.
• Nov. 12: In an official press release, producers at Pittsburgh-based KDKA-TV announce their intention to unionize under a SAG-AFTRA collective bargaining agreement.
• Nov. 16: President Gabrielle Carteris announces efforts for outreach to professional wrestlers in efforts to unionize workers. 
• Nov. 19: SAG-AFTRA and the AEA reach a unanimous agreement preserving the historic jurisdiction to the broadcast and streaming of live performances during the pandemic period. In it, SAG-AFTRA agrees that AEA will cover this work with a term concluding Dec. 31, 2021, and is subject to certain limitations including distribution on platforms like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc.
• Nov. 24: Producers at KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh officially unionize under a card check and voluntary recognition agreement between SAG-AFTRA and CBS Broadcasting, Inc. The new 27-member bargaining unit includes news, sports, web, and digital line (CBSN) producers.
• Nov. 30: In a press release, SAG-AFTRA applauds New York Governor Cuomo and other key members of the New York Legislature for enacting the state’s right of publicity and deepfakes bill. The law guarantees protections for union members and their families from unwanted and unauthorized commercial exploitation, as well as strict prohibitions against the publication and dissemination of digitally created, nonconsensual, sexually explicit material. 
• Dec. 1: The Micro-Budget Project Agreement launches. 
• Dec. 3: Content creators at WAMU 88.5 FM, licensed by American University in Washington, D.C., vote unanimously to recognize SAG-AFTRA as their union.
• Dec. 9: Staff at Minnesota Public Radio and 89.3 The Current unionize under SAG-AFTRA.  
• Dec. 14: In a special session, the SAG-AFTRA National Board passes resolutions aimed at correcting misrepresentations about SAG-AFTRA Health Plan changes. 
  Additionally, the Board votes to implement a new member rule requiring members to fully comply with SAG-AFTRA-approved safety rules and protocols, including the Return to Work agreement and all COVID-19 on-set protocols.

2021

• Fran Drescher, elected SAG-AFTRA President, succeeding Gabrielle Carteris.
• Jan. 3: In anticipation of a post-holiday surge of COVID cases, SAG-AFTRA, the Joint Policy Committee and the Producers Guild of America jointly recommend pausing production in Southern California. 
• Jan. 7: SAG-AFTRA releases a statement addressing the insurrection attempt that took place at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6. The union decries the “sustained misinformation campaigns” perpetuated throughout the Trump presidency, and the continuous harassment and attacks broadcast members have faced in the field.
• Jan. 20: The SAG-AFTRA National Board voted overwhelmingly to find probable cause of a violation of SAG-AFTRA’s Constitution by member Donald J. Trump, and ordered the matter to be heard by SAG-AFTRA’s Disciplinary Committee as required by the SAG-AFTRA Constitution. In the statement, constitutional violations included Trump’s role in inciting the attack on the United States Capitol on Jan. 6, and in sustaining a reckless campaign of misinformation aimed at discrediting and ultimately threatening the safety of journalists, many of whom are SAG-AFTRA members.
• Jan. 27: In a statement released to the media, SAG-AFTRA decries the hiring practices of CBS Philadelphia station KYW-TV. The conduct of CBS’s national management, which first broke in a L.A. Times article, specifically noted comments made via internal emails toward the station's employees, including members of SAG-AFTRA. 
• Jan. 29: SAG-AFTRA, the Joint Policy Committee and the Producers Guild of America agree to lift the recommendation to pause production in Southern California effective Feb. 1, 2021. The parties maintain that film and television productions must abide by the industry-issued COVID-safety protocols.
• Feb. 4: The nominees for the 27th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards are announced in an exclusive Instagram Live event. 
• Feb. 6: Following Donald J. Trump’s resignation from the union, the SAG-AFTRA National Board passes a resolution that preemptively bars him from rejoining the union in the future. The resolution cites the same concerns that prompted the initial disciplinary charges, most notably, “his antagonism of the union’s journalist members and disregard for the values and integrity of the union.”
• In addition, John McGuire, SAG-AFTRA’s longest-serving staff member, receives the  SAG-AFTRA President’s Award. The award celebrates someone who has given meritorious service, dedication and commitment to the membership of SAG-AFTRA and the American labor movement. McGuire is the third recipient of this honor and the first staff member recipient. 
• Feb. 12: SAG-AFTRA and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation announce the establishment of the John T. McGuire Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is to provide an annual grant of $5,000 to further educational opportunities for people committed to causes to which McGuire has devoted his professional life, including fair and equal treatment of workers, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and worker solidarity nationally and internationally. 
• Feb. 19: SAG-AFTRA hosts the 3rd Annual Labor & Tech Summit in partnership with the AFL-CIO.  
• March 2: SAG-AFTRA condemns the growth of incidents involving anti-Asian American Pacific Islanders racism, violence and harassment, including recent incidents involving its own membership.  
• March 3: Through a series of video PSAs, SAG-AFTRA members call on fellow members and Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19 when the vaccine becomes available to them. 
• March 19: SAG-AFTRA announces its endorsement of the Free Artists from Industry Restrictions, or CA FAIR Act (AB 1385). Introduced by California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, this legislation would limit contracts that prevent performers from accepting other work for excessive periods of time. 
• March 21: SAG-AFTRA, the Music Artists Coalition (MAC) and several other music-based labor unions urge the California Legislature to pass the CA FAIR Act, noting that passing the bill will modernize the Seven Year Statue, a facet of the Labor Code designed to protect all Californians from prohibiting long-term employment contracts lasting more than seven years, and address the “explosion of television and music streaming” to better protect workers. 
• April 1: SAG-AFTRA announces a settlement reached between the union and The Walking Dead. In late 2020, the union filed a Statement of Claim and Demand for Arbitration against the franchise for reuse of photography or soundtrack from the series on the program The Talking Dead. 
• April 2: SAG-AFTRA announces that broadcaster and National Board member Joe Krebs is the recipient of the President’s Award. Krebs is the fourth recipient of the honor and previously received SAG-AFTRA’s George Heller Memorial Award. Krebs died four days later, April 6. 
• April 4: The 27th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards airs a pre-recorded broadcast special sans live audience due to the COVID pandemic. 
• April 12: SAG-AFTRA’s Stop the Hate Week commences with a series of virtual events. 
  SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris, along with Actors’ Equity Association President Kate Shindle and American Federation of Musicians Local 802 President and Executive Director Adam Krauthamer release a joint statement addressing workplace sexual harassment: “All harassment is not only detrimental to the health and welfare of workers, but also a serious threat to the proper functioning of a company. … We pledge to work together, and with other allies, to hold accountable those who violate human and legal norms of fair, respectful and dignified conduct in the workplace.” 
• April 17: The SAG-AFTRA National Board meets and approves a Diversity Action Plan including provisions encouraging the use of inclusive language; establishing diversity committees serving the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) and Latino communities; providing for implicit bias training for National and Local boards; directing the creation and distribution of an inclusive practices guide for broadcast journalists; and strengthening partnerships with allied organizations conducting diversity and inclusion research.
• April 20: SAG-AFTRA’s website is no available in Spanish.  
• April 29: SAG-AFTRA announces two significant initiatives to address workplace sexual harassment: the first industrywide accreditation for intimacy coordinator training programs and registry, and SAG-AFTRA Safe Place, a new reporting platform available through the SAG-AFTRA member mobile app.
• May 5: SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris joins AFL-CIO Solidarity Center Board of Trustees.The Solidarity Center is the largest U.S.-based international worker rights organization helping workers as they attain safe and healthy workplaces, family-supporting wages, and greater equity at work and in their community.
• May 7: SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris is elected to serve as president of the International Federation of Actors (FIA). 
• May 24: SAG-AFTRA files an Unfair Labor Practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board against New York Public Radio, owner of WNYC, Gothamist and other media properties, in response to a coordinated and aggressive campaign to undermine union and protected and concerted activity.
• May 26: The SAG-AFTRA National Board appoints Duncan Crabtree-Ireland as National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, effective June 21. He succeeds David P. White who served in the role for 12 years. Crabtree-Ireland had served as general counsel of the union since 2006 and as COO since 2014. 
• June 4: SAG-AFTRA files a lawsuit in district court in Manhattan to compel New York Public Radio/WNYC to comply with the arbitration provisions of the collective bargaining agreement. To date, SAG-AFTRA has filed an unfair labor practice with five allegations of violations of labor law, including a charge against NYPR for firing a union steward for union activity.
• June 21: Duncan Crabtree-Ireland assumes the role of SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator. 
• June 24: As part of the musicFIRST coalition, SAG-AFTRA announces its support of the American Music Fairness Act. If passed, the bipartisan bill will require corporate broadcasters to fairly compensate recording artists, singers and musicians when their recorded songs are played on AM/FM radio.
• Also, the SAG-AFTRA National Board convenes to approve a set of guidelines that studios must abide by if they wish to make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for cast and crew on production sets.
• July 28: SAG-AFTRA praises the re-introduction of the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act. PATPA enables the modernizing of the Qualified Performing Artist tax credit (QPA) to ensure creative professionals are not unfairly penalized by an outdated provision in the tax code. The legislation was proposed with bipartisan leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Judy Chu, D-Calif., and Vern Buchanan, R-Fla.
• Aug. 3: Content creators at New Hampshire Public Radio vote to join SAG-AFTRA, following an agreement with the union for a card check verification. The new 31 member bargaining unit of content creators includes producers, hosts, editors and reporters.
• Aug. 5: SAG-AFTRA honors the passing of former AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. 
• Aug. 9: SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris releases a statement decrying the use of Disney’s “gender-shaming and bullying” in their dispute against member Scarlett Johansson. In it, Carteris notes SAG-AFTRA’s continued work to defend members against bias.
• Aug. 30: SAG-AFTRA mourns the passing of former SAG President Ed Asner. 
• Sep. 2: SAG-AFTRA actor, National Board member and activist Michelle Hurd receives the President’s Award. 
• SAG-AFTRA elections conclude and Fran Drescher is elected as union president; Joely Fisher is elected Secretary-Treasurer. Their two-year terms begin immediately.
• Sep. 14: SAG-AFTRA members at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia overwhelmingly approve their first-ever union contract. Among its contract details is a salary floor, resulting in more than half the unit receiving a guaranteed wage increase effective on Oct. 1.
• Sep. 27: SAG-AFTRA, in conjunction with the Writers Guild of America East, Directors Guild of America and International Brotherhood of Teamsters release a statement in solidarity with IATSE workers negotiating a new contract. 
• Sep. 30: The Return to Work Agreement is extended to Oct. 31. 
• Oct. 1: In a filing with the Federal Trade Commission, SAG-AFTRA, Music Artists Coalition and Black Music Action Coalition demand employers stop harmful contract practices. The statement asserts that certain contract and employment terms imposed by recording companies, entertainment employers and news outlets harm fair competition and restrict workers from building their careers. 
  Also, SAG-AFTRA announces an agreement with NPR for a successor contract. The new agreement covers 521 staff members and includes 2.5% pay raises each year through 2025, provides 20 weeks of paid parental leave, and includes a number of important diversity, equity and inclusion commitments. 
• Oct. 5: SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland release a statement in solidarity with IATSE members. IATSE announces Oct. 16 they have reached a tentative agreement with the AMPTP, averting a strike. 
• Oct. 6: SAG-AFTRA reaches tentative agreement with media company Telemundo that expands residuals, provides for increases to scale and enhanced overtime and rest periods, and incorporates provisions that protect members from sexual harassment and abusive conduct in the workplace.
• Oct. 16: The 2021 SAG-AFTRA National Convention, “Virtual/Vital/Visionary,” commences and is conducted virtually due to the COVID pandemic. SAG-AFTRA member Ben Whitehair is elected Executive Vice President. Other elected vice presidents include Michelle Hurd, Vice President, Los Angeles; Ezra Knight, Vice President, New York; Michele Proude, Vice President, Mid-Sized Locals; Suzanne Burkhead, Vice President, Small Locals; William Charlton, Vice President, Actors/Performers; Bob Butler, Vice President, Broadcasters; and Janice Pendarvis, Vice President, Recording Artists/Singers. 
  In addition, George Heller Memorial Award recipients are announced: SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Actor/Performers William Charlton; SAG-AFTRA National Board member Bill Mootos; SAG-AFTRA Chief Financial Officer Arianna Ozzanto; and SAG-AFTRA Chief Communications & Marketing Officer Pamela Greenwalt. 
• Oct. 17: Day two of the 2021 SAG-AFTRA National Convention continues. SAG-AFTRA announces American Scene Award recipients via livestream. Capitol Records Nashville received the Music & Sound Recordings Award for Mickey Guyton's Black Like Me (2021); 20/20 by ABC News and The Courier Journal in Louisville, Kentucky, received the Belva Davis News & Broadcast Award for Say Her Name: Breonna Taylor (2020); and Warner Bros. Pictures received the Entertainment Award for Judas and the Black Messiah (2021). 
• Oct. 21: SAG-AFTRA condemns racist and xenophobic remarks made by YouTube commentator Steven Crowder targeting San Francisco-Northern California Local television reporter Betty Yu.
  SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland release a joint statement regarding a fatal incident on the set of Rust. Union leaders and members attend a candlelight vigil on Oct. 24 for cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
• Nov. 1: SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher endorses the Build Back Better bill. The bill, endorsed by U.S. President Joe Biden, includes nearly $2 trillion in taxes and spending that Biden believes will help rebuild the economy after the COVID-19 crisis. 
• Nov. 18: SAG-AFTRA announces Dame Helen Mirren as the 57th SAG Life Achievement recipient. 
• Dec. 4: The SAG-AFTRA National Board met via videoconference plenary and passed a resolution to establish a national standing committee dedicated to the prevention of sexual harassment, replacing the existing Sexual Harassment Prevention Working Group. SAG-AFTRA National Vice President, Los Angeles Michelle Hurd was appointed national chair of the committee.
• Dec. 10: SAG-AFTRA releases statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to allow Texas’ unconscionable S.B. 8. In the statement, SAG-AFTRA notes its commitment to “protect and support the rights of members who work in states where adequate safety protections and access to health services cannot be assured.”
• Dec. 21: SAG-AFTRA and the Actors’ Equity Association announce an extension to their 2020 agreement addressing the coverage of live theater that is recorded or streamed for exhibition to a remote audience.

2022

• Fran Drescher continues as SAG-AFTRA president.
• Jan. 25: The COVID-19 Return to Work Agreement between the AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA, DGA, IATSE, and Teamsters and Basic Crafts is extended through Feb. 13, 2022. 
• Feb. 2: SAG-AFTRA member and Grammy award-winning recording artist Gloria Estefan testifies before the House Judiciary Committee in support of the bipartisan American Music Fairness Act. SAG-AFTRA is one of the major supporters of the act. 
• Feb. 3: SAG-AFTRA and the Hip Hop Alliance, an affiliate of the United Coalition for Humanity, announce their partnership to “build a better future for hip-hop artists and the entire music industry” through collaborative educational efforts and collective legislative actions.
• Feb. 5: The SAG-AFTRA National Board meets in a scheduled one-day videoconference plenary and approves the 2022 Commercials Negotiations Proposal Package. 
• Feb. 16: The bargaining of the 2022 Commercials Contracts begins in New York.
• Also, SAG-AFTRA, the DGA, IATSE and Teamsters and Basic Crafts, and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers agree to extend the Return to Work Agreement until April 30, 2022.
• Feb. 18: SAG-AFTRA, the Music Artists Coalition, California Labor Federation and the Black Music Action Coalition thank Assemblymember Ash Kalra for championing the 2022 CA FAIR Act. The bill, introduced by Kalra, clarifies the ability of California workers to work multiple jobs and limits production studios’ and record labels’ ability to unilaterally hold artists off the market.
• Feb. 25: SAG-AFTRA and New York Public Radio reach a global settlement. The settlement officially withdraws complaints issued to the National Labor Relations Board and is hailed as “a foundation for strengthening [the parties’] relationship moving forward.” 
• Feb. 26: SAG-AFTRA stands in support of the nation of Ukraine and the Cultural Workers Union of Ukraine. In a statement, the union says, “We insist that all nations recognize and respect the freedom of the press and ensure that our members and journalists of all nations working in the war zone are kept safe from harm.”
• Feb. 27: The 28th SAG Awards® are broadcast live. SAG-AFTRA member Dame Helen Mirren receives the 57th SAG Life Achievement Award. 
• March 4: The union announces seven newly accredited international intimacy coordinator training programs that will help safely expand the pool of qualified intimacy coordinators to implement the first industrywide standards for training to enter the profession.
• March 8: Fast Company names SAG-AFTRA as No. 7 on its top 10 list of Most Innovative Film and Television companies. This honor makes SAG-AFTRA the first union to ever be included on the publication’s annual World’s Most Innovative Companies.
• March 15: SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher praises U.S. President Joe Biden’s signing of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act into law and “moving the needle forward towards a more female-friendly America!”
• March 18: SAG-AFTRA applauds the passage of HR 2116, known as the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, or CROWN, Act in the U.S. House of Representatives and thanks Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.J., for her leadership on the legislation.
• April 25: SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher delivers a keynote speech at the National Press Club luncheon discussing the intersection of labor, sustainability and health. 
• April 30: SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher lobbies legislators for the American Music Fairness Act and participates in Grammys on the Hill.
• May 5: SAG-AFTRA members vote on a new commercials contract with categories for streaming platforms and $120 million in new gains, self-tape rules, hair and makeup equity for diverse performers, and a 10% increase in scale session rates.
• June 29: Following months of lobbying from SAG-AFTRA membership, the LAW (Let Artists Work) Act passed the California House Judiciary Committee vote. Though the legislation was eventually withdrawn, SAG-AFTRA achieved victory for its members by reaching an agreement with AMPTP which made changes to exclusivity terms for performers.
• July 20: U.S. Rep. Judy Chu presents SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition for her work in D.C. helping to pass the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act.
• Aug. 20: The SAG-AFTRA National Board approves a new agreement on exclusivity terms with AMPTP. 
• Aug. 31: Members vote overwhelmingly to pass the 2022 Netflix Agreement, which offers significant gains for series regulars, background performers, stunt coordinators and dubbing performers.
• Sept. 22: Sens. Padilla and Blackburn introduce the American Music Fairness Act to the U.S. Senate. The legislation is endorsed by SAG-AFTRA.
• Dec. 6: SAG-AFTRA, in partnership with the AFL-CIO, begins offering a SAG-AFTRA benefit plans for all Medicare-eligible members and their Medicare-eligible spouses/partners.
• Dec. 21: SAG-AFTRA condemns the arrest by the Iranian government of one of the country’s most prominent performers and a respected member of the international acting community, Taraneh Alidoosti. 

2023

• Jan. 6: SAG-AFTRA brings together leaders from across the labor movement, entertainment sector and technology space for the fifth Labor Innovation & Technology Summit.
• Jan. 17: Sally Field is revealed as the recipient of the 58th SAG Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Jan. 20: SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Ben Whitehair and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland attend the (In)Famous Chili Party at Sundance, presented by SAG-AFTRA. Whitehair speaks to the indie filmmaker community about the importance of indie films’ stories being told.
• Feb. 26: The 29th SAG Awards® are broadcast live on Netflix’s YouTube channel and social media channels. SAG-AFTRA member Sally Field receives the 58th SAG Life Achievement Award. 
• March 15: Presented by SAG-AFTRA, Def Jam Recordings and VIBE join forces in Austin for an official SXSW showcase celebrating hip-hop at 50.
• March 17: SAG-AFTRA releases a statement supporting the Human Artistry Campaign’s core principles for artificial intelligence applications in support of human creativity and accomplishment, and reaffirms its position on digital voice, likeness and performance simulations. 
• March 23: SAG-AFTRA encourages members to support AB 419, an important bill in the California Legislature that would require judges to receive survivor-centered training on sexual assault. The goal is to ensure that rape survivors are not retraumatized by the judicial system. 
• March 30: SAG-AFTRA and other entertainment and media unions announce the expiration of the COVID-19 Safety Agreement and its related protocols, effective May 11, 2023.
• April 11: SAG-AFTRA closes a deal for the purchase of a commercial office building and nearby vacant lot in North Hollywood to be the location of the union’s future headquarters.
• April 13: SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers agree to begin formal contract negotiations on June 7, 2023.
• April 19: SAG-AFTRA applauds the reintroduction of the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation is introduced with bipartisan support by Reps. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., and Judy Chu, D-Calif.
• April 22: The SAG-AFTRA National Board meets in a scheduled one-day videoconference plenary. The National Board votes unanimously to support the WGA as they engage in negotiations with the AMPTP.
• April 27: The SAG-AFTRA Executive Committee votes to approve a final extension of COVID-19 dues relief. This allows members to pay their May 2023 dues in two installments.
• April 27: SAG-AFTRA agrees to sunset the COVID-19 Production Safety and Testing Protocol Agreements for the Commercial and Corporate/Educational & Non-Broadcast Contracts. The protocols end May 11, 2023, concurrent with the date the federal government has identified for the expiration of the coronavirus public health emergency. 
• April 30: SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland send members guidance ahead of the anticipated WGA strike.
• May 2: A strike by the WGAW and WGAE against all companies signatory to the 2020 Writers’ MBA begins. SAG-AFTRA announces support of the Writers Guild of America in its fight to achieve a fair and equitable contract, and SAG-AFTRA members join them on picket lines.
• May 3: In acknowledgement of World Press Freedom Day, SAG-AFTRA calls on Russia to release WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich.
• May 3: SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland addresses a packed house of WGA members and other union leaders at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. 
• May 5: SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher releases a statement in support of the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, authored by U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle, which would protect against the spread of digitally manipulated and AI-generated photos and videos which disproportionately harm women.

• May 7: The MTV Movie and Television Awards are not held live due to the WGA strike.
• May 17: SAG-AFTRA’s National Board votes unanimously to send a strike authorization vote to members prior to TV/Theatrical negotiations, which are set to begin June 7.
• May 26: Kicking off what would become known as the “Hot Strike Summer,” SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland speaks at the Unions Strike Back Rally and Dance Party in Downtown Los Angeles.
• May 31– June 5: SAG-AFTRA volunteers participate in phone-banking to reach fellow members regarding the strike authorization vote, making nearly 34,000 calls.
• June 5: Voting ends for SAG-AFTRA’s strike authorization, with 97.9% of voting members supporting the strike authorization referendum.
• June 7: SAG-AFTRA begins negotiations with the AMPTP.
• June 30: SAG-AFTRA’s Negotiating Committee sends a letter to members informing them that they have agreed to extend negotiations with the AMPTP to July 12. July 12: On the 90th anniversary of the Screen Actors Guild’s incorporation, and after more than four weeks of bargaining with the AMPTP, SAG-AFTRA’s Television/Theatrical/Streaming contracts expire without a successor agreement.
• July 13: SAG-AFTRA’s National Board convenes and votes to issue a strike order, initiating the first TV/Theatrical strike since 1980, and the first time SAG-AFTRA and WGA are on strike together since 1960. July 14: SAG-AFTRA’s strike against the AMPTP becomes effective at 12:01 a.m. PT, becoming the largest strike in the United States since the 1997 UPS workers strike.
• July 25: SAG-AFTRA hosts the star-studded Rock the City for a Fair Contract rally in Times Square.
• Aug. 4: The AMPTP and WGA meet in what is supposed to be a confidential sidebar, but when the studios leak information to the trades, the WGA issues a detailed statement.
• Aug. 9: The WGA passes its 100th day on strike.
• Aug. 11: The WGA and the AMPTP resume bargaining.
• Sep. 1: The SAG-AFTRA National Board votes to send the Interactive Media (video game) Agreement strike authorization to members.
• Sep. 8: Fran Drescher re-elected SAG-AFTRA President, and Joely Fisher re-elected SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer.
• Sep. 24: The WGA and AMPTP reach a tentative agreement.
• Sep. 25: 98.32% of voting SAG-AFTRA members vote to authorize a strike on the Interactive Media Agreement.
• Sep. 27: The WGA strike ends at 12:01 a.m. PT.
• Oct. 2: SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP resume negotiations.
• Oct. 11: The AMPTP leaves the negotiating table.
• Oct. 21: SAG-AFTRA’s 2023 National Convention begins.
• Oct. 22: SAG-AFTRA’s 2023 National Convention recesses early as the AMPTP requests to resume negotiations. New York Local First Vice President Linda Powell was elected Executive Vice President. Other elected vice presidents include: Jodi Long, National Vice President, Los Angeles; Ezra Knight, National Vice President, New York; Michelle Proude, National Vice President, Mid-Sized Locals; Suzanne Burkhead, National Vice President, Small Locals; Shari Belafonte, National Vice President, Actors/Performers; Bob Butler, National Vice President, Broadcasters; Janice Pendarvis, National Vice President, Recording Artists/Singers.
• Oct. 24: SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP resume negotiations.
• Nov. 8: The TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee votes unanimously to approve the tentative agreement with the AMPTP.
• Nov. 9: The TV/Theatrical strike ends as of 12:01 a.m. PT.
• Nov. 13: SAG-AFTRA holds a national informational meeting on the TV/Theatrical Contracts tentative agreement, kicking off a series of town halls held nationally and at locals across the country, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas and New Mexico.
• Nov. 14: SAG-AFTRA members begin voting on the ratification of the 2023 TV/Theatrical Contracts.
• Nov. 29: SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland speaks before members of the U.S. Senate at the A.I. Insight Forum, hosted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. His remarks focus on the impact of A.I. on the livelihoods of creatives.
• Dec. 5: SAG-AFTRA members ratify the 2023 TV/Theatrical contracts with 78% approval and a turnout of 38.15%.
• Dec. 14: Barbra Streisand announced as the recipient of the 2023 SAG Life Achievement Award.

2024

• Jan. 1: Fran Drescher continues as SAG-AFTRA president.
• Jan. 9 - 10: Co-founded by SAG-AFTRA, AFL-CIO, and AFL-CIO Tech Institute, the 5th Annual Labor Innovation & Technology Summit is held in Las Vegas.
• Feb. 24: 30th Annual SAG Awards, broadcast for the first time on Netflix.