SAG-AFTRA Announces Operational Moves to Help Mitigate COVID-19 Financial Impact

LOS ANGELES — In order to help mitigate the significant financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting industry shutdown, SAG-AFTRA today announced a number of operational moves aimed to conserve resources and further strengthen the union's fiscal position.

Acting on recommendations of the Finance Committee and Executive Committee, the SAG-AFTRA National Board approved a modification and extension to the current dues relief program for the November 2020 semi-annual dues period. With the modification and extension program, members in financial distress can easily request – either online or by simply checking a box on their November dues bill – an extension of the due date for payment of dues and an installment plan for those payments. All members, regardless of a request, will benefit from a waiver of late fees for this dues period.

In other action, and in light of the continuing shutdown due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the union implemented a further reduction in workforce across most operations and locals which will include a combination of early retirements and position eliminations. This is the union’s third reduction in workforce since the pandemic and production shutdown began in early March, and will bring the number of SAG-AFTRA employees to approximately 400.

SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris said: “We must act wisely and prudently to ensure a strong union while remaining a fierce and steadfast advocate for our members who also are facing COVID-19 related challenges. Our work over the last decade resulted in responsible fiscal management and consistent budget surpluses. Because of those surpluses, and with additional expense management, we are positioned to withstand the pandemic and serve our members for generations to come.”

SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director David P. White said: “Someday, this crisis will end. For now, with cases spiking across the country and a second global surge possible this winter, we must take steps to further align expenses with anticipated revenues. Adjusting our staff size is difficult and painful, but unavoidable. I thank each and every person for their service and dedication to SAG-AFTRA members. We will continue to maximize all of our resources and deliver on our core functions while maintaining excellent service to members and move toward a leaner and more efficient operation.”

Members should expect to receive SAG-AFTRA November 2020 semi-annual dues bills as usual and those members who are able to do so are encouraged to pay their regular semi-annual dues on time in November. Upon request, members experiencing financial hardship will be granted a due date extension and allowed to pay the current November 2020 semi-annual dues bill in two equal installments. Members seeking the extension are encouraged to request dues extension as soon as possible once they've received their dues bill, and no later than December 10, 2020.

Members must pay each of the two installment payments by the due dates of January 4, 2021 and April 2, 2021. Late fees will not resume until May 2021.

The union will continue to monitor this unprecedented situation closely and will take appropriate measures as needed to protect SAG-AFTRA’s membership and operational strength and stability.