Today we close out one of the most important chapters in recent entertainment industry history. The 2023 TV/Theatrical Contracts have officially been ratified by SAG-AFTRA members by a vote of 78.33% to 21.67% with a turnout of 38.15%.
This contract is an enormous victory for working performers, and it marks the dawning of a new era for the industry.
Getting to this point was truly a collective effort.
With the ratification of this agreement, SAG-AFTRA members will receive unprecedented wage escalation, significantly improved streaming compensation, and the first-ever crucial protections around the use of artificial intelligence technology. In the coming weeks, there will be further member education materials released to get members up to speed on the finer points of the deal.
A huge thank you is owed to each and every member for your sacrifice and solidarity throughout 2023. Whether you were a strike captain, phone-bank volunteer, picketer, social media warrior, a participant in the wages and working conditions process, or simply supportive of your union’s efforts, you were part of this moment.
Let’s celebrate what we’ve accomplished together and continue to foster the bonds that have been forged throughout this season of solidarity.
In 2024, our sibling unions IATSE, AFM, and the Teamsters and the Hollywood Basic Crafts will be entering negotiations, and they will be able to use our groundbreaking gains as leverage in their own bargaining efforts.
What we’ve achieved will have far-reaching and long-lasting positive effects for everyone working in our industry and around the world.
In strength and unity,
Fran Drescher
President
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland
National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator