The new COVID-19 relief bill passed by Congress today contains numerous wins for SAG-AFTRA members, including pandemic assistance and expanded protections for creative works.
The most immediate benefits are the restarting of the pandemic unemployment assistance benefits, $300 a week through March 14, for all eligible Americans. For those with nontraditional employment, like many SAG-AFTRA members, participating states will make an additional $100 available. SAG-AFTRA led the charge on this benefit for mixed-earners. Coupled with the $600 stimulus check, the funds can make a big difference for those out of work or struggling to get by.
SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris lauded the passage of the bill.
“As we near the holiday season, I want to thank Congress for remembering SAG-AFTRA members, with the acknowledgement that there is more to do. The effects of the pandemic will be with us for a long while, and I hope the federal government continues to offer aid to all Americans," she said. "I also want to thank members who contacted their elected representatives and let them know the importance of protecting copyrighted works. I have no doubt that members’ voices were instrumental in getting this legislation passed.”
Included in the relief bill is the CASE Act, which creates a voluntary small claims court that allows copyright holders to pursue claims without having to take their cases to federal district court. This is legislation that was strongly supported by SAG-AFTRA, since it gives smaller creators a more affordable way to protect their intellectual property.
Also included in the legislation is the Save Our Stages bill, which provides $15 billion for movie theaters and music venues, to help live entertainment survive these trying times.
Finally, the Felony Streaming Act will make commercial streaming of copyrighted works a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The aim is to create greater deterrents for infringement.
As there is more to be done in the challenging months ahead, SAG-AFTRA will continue to fight to make sure its members and the industry are recognized in future relief efforts.
About SAG-AFTRA
SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.