Summaries of 2016 SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contracts Released

LOS ANGELES (April 14, 2015) — The SAG-AFTRA National Board, meeting April 9 and 10, 2016, unanimously approved the deal reached with the ANA-4A’s Joint Policy Committee on Broadcast Talent Union Relations (JPC)  Apr. 3 on new television, audio and digital commercials contracts. Members will now be asked to ratify the agreements in the coming weeks. Postcards with voting instructions will be mailed to all eligible voters on Monday, April 18.

Formal negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the advertising industry began on Feb. 17 and concluded April 3. 

Highlights of the deal include: 

·        Over $200 million in wage increases and other payments for all categories of performers

·        Strategic expansion to the definition of a commercial that will help protect the contract’s coverage in the area of digital 

·        7% upfront increase in wages

·        1.2% increase in the P&H/H&R contribution rates

·        6% increase in national cable use fees in addition to the general increase

·        2% increase in class A use fees in addition to the general increase

·        Increases to Internet and New Media use fees ranging from 6.25% to 16.7% in addition to the general increase 

·        New protections for minors to ensure qualified set teachers

·        New rate for stand-ins at 110% of the general extra rate

·        Recognition of Veteran’s Day as a contractual holiday 

A summary of the 2016 agreement provisions for the commercials contracts may be viewed by clicking the link below:

2016 SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contracts Referendum Booklet

SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris said, "This contract speaks to the livelihood of members today – and in the future. We look forward to presenting the agreement to the membership for ratification."

SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator David White said, “I congratulate the board on the approval of this agreement. Our negotiating committee, led by President Carteris and Co-Chair Sue-Anne Morrow, faced very tough issues and, working together, secured an excellent and forward-looking deal for our membership.”

SAG-AFTRA was represented by SAG-AFTRA President and Negotiating Committee Co-Chair Gabrielle Carteris, Co-Chair Sue-Anne Morrow, Chief Negotiator David White, Co-Lead Negotiators Ray Rodriguez and Mathis Dunn and Senior Advisor John McGuire.

Formal negotiations between the 33-member (17 seated members and 16 alternates) SAG-AFTRA Negotiating Committee and the industry began February 17 and concluded April 3, at 3:05 a.m. EDT, in New York. The JPC was represented by Joint Policy Committee Lead Negotiator Douglas J. Wood, Stacy Marcus, David Weissman, and Mike Strauss with Reed Smith LLP, Kim Stevens with the Joint Policy Committee, Linda Bennett with Grey Advertising, and Kurt C. Wulfekuhler of Economics Partners, LLC.

 

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