Landmark Commercials Contracts Approved

On Wednesday, May 8, SAG-AFTRA members overwhelmingly voted to ratify SAG-AFTRA’s 2019 TV and Audio Commercial Agreements. The vote was 97 percent in favor. We appreciate your support and participation throughout W&Ws, negotiations and the ratification process. The new agreements are effective April 1, 2019, and will remain in force through March 31, 2022. SAG-AFTRA secured many important gains for you, our members, including:

•  Across-the-board wage increases of 6 percent (applicable to all categories of work, including background).
• Increased funding to the health and retirement/pension plans estimated at $22.2 million.
• Protections against sexual harassment.
• Coverage of stunt coordinators.
• Outsized gains to group dancers.
• Streamlined and radically improved renegotiation process for commercial agents representing SAG-AFTRA members.

SAG-AFTRA’s new Upfront Use Packages will be available to advertisers on June 1, 2019. This groundbreaking model provides performers with substantial upfront payments and a simple, flexible, structure for employers. To learn more about these three new payment options please view this video. 

Please contact the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local Commercials Department with questions at (312) 573-8081.