A Message From Your Michigan Local President

I am writing to highlight some changes in the new 2022 Commercials Contracts tentative agreement and explain why eligible voters should vote YES for ratification. 

First, I want to underscore how much the television and advertising industry has changed in the last 10 years. Many of us have cut the cord and stream the content we want, when we want it, often on ad-free platforms. Fewer dollars are spent in linear advertising, and more is shifting into digital.

This turning point in our industry is why bold moves and structural changes are needed to ensure members are positioned to take advantage of the opportunities in this new frontier.   

The union and its bargaining partners, The Joint Policy Committee, LLC, undertook a multi-year study of the industry to find ways to modernize the contract to protect and grow work for our members while meeting advertisers’ needs. And our negotiating committee — consisting of experienced members who predominantly make a living doing commercials — listened to members, heard our concerns about the contract — and delivered! 

Here's what a YES vote on the 2022 Commercials Contracts means: 

• New protections and regulations for all virtual and self-tape auditions.  
• Hair and makeup equity for diverse performers.
• $120 million in new gains. 
• Modern, simplified terms for the digital age, protecting and growing work for our members.
• A 10% increase in scale session rates starting this year. 
• New compensation for digital use, paired with a fund to mitigate the impact of reduced earnings on the most high-volume Class A use.
• New standards for nude or partially nude work.

All of these gains and protections came directly from concerns raised by members, who are the ones who shaped the contracts.

I encourage you to review the referendum booklet and FAQs, check out this podcast episode and register for a member information town hall being held today, April 26. Click here for details and to RSVP.

Don’t forget to vote by 5 p.m. PDT, May 5, at ivsballot.com/commercials2022. Postcards with voting instructions were mailed on Thursday, April 14 to eligible voters. Use the PIN from your postcard to vote or retrieve it from the website.

In unity,

Eric Wydra
SAG-AFTRA Michigan Local President