What Does SAG-AFTRA Do for Members?

Negotiation of Contracts

Member negotiating committees work closely with staff to fight for the best wages and working conditions for all union contracts. In 2022, the Commercials, Network Television Code, Sound Recordings, Netflix and Corporate/Educational contracts were renegotiated, as well as over 60 broadcast and over 30 audiobook contracts. 

Find the full list of our contracts here.
 

Contract Enforcement and Administration

Once the contracts are negotiated, contract provisions and protections are enforced. That means making sure hard-fought working conditions are maintained on sets, including safe working conditions, meal breaks, turnaround times for work and so much more.

Sometimes on-set issues can be resolved with a phone call to the local office. Other times, it involves advising members on the best way to approach their employer or file a claim inquiry or grievance. Click here to learn more about filing a claim inquiry.

Organize New Work

Along with contract negotiations and enforcement, there are several departments focused on organizing new work. This gives members more opportunities to secure work under union contracts, which means better pay, better working conditions and contributions to health and pension plans.

These efforts include the AdsGoUnion campaign, influencer resources, new podcast contracts and audiobook resources.
 

Getting Members Paid

SAG-AFTRA also works to get members paid for wages, penalties, claims and residuals. The Residuals Processing Department staff were considered essential workers during COVID and, in the first 12 months of the pandemic, processed over 4.9 million checks. The direct deposit program has also surpassed 3 million direct deposits. 

• To learn more about residuals, visit SAG-AFTRA’s Residuals page for more information.
• If you haven’t yet signed up for direct deposit, click here for instructions.
• If you think you may be owed foreign royalties, visit SAG-AFTRA’s Foreign Royalties page for information.

Committees 

Member-led committees are at the heart of the L.A. Local and a great way for members to get involved in areas that they are passionate about. 

There are committees that advocate for members working in specific categories like dancers, background and stunts, and programming committees that work with staff to create events like classes, table reads, panels and screenings. There are also demographic committees that advocate for groups like young performers, seniors and women. Finally, members have the opportunity to get involved in operational committees involved with communications, member leniency considerations, governance and legislative efforts.

There are over 30 committees in the L.A. Local — not including various subcommittees — so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved! It is important to remember that all committees are chaired by volunteer members and that national and local committees are repopulated every two years following the candidate elections. 

Go to the SAG-AFTRA website to find more information about L.A. Local and National committees.
 

SAG-AFTRA Safety

There are two ways to report on-set safety concerns: 

• To report any safety issues that may arise on set, you can call the 24-Hour Safety Hotline: (844) SAFER SET. 
• SAG-AFTRA Safe Place is available for members to discreetly report sexual harassment in the workplace. 

Both resources are also available on the SAG-AFTRA website and app. You can learn more about best practices, reporting tools and protocols at SAG-AFTRA’s Workplace Harassment and Prevention Page.

SAG-AFTRA Staff

Members have access to over 20 staff departments. Click here for our department contact list. 

In addition to staff that handle contract negotiations, enforcement and organizing, there are also departments that work in other areas to support members. Here are just a few:

• The Professional Representatives staff assist members with agency and manager relationships.
• The Government Affairs and Public Policy staff advocate on entertainment and media industry issues in the United States and internationally.
• The Equity & Inclusion Department is committed to ensuring an inclusive, safe working environment for all members and advancing equity in the workplace.

Other Benefits

Members also have access to all kinds of tools and resources:

• SAG-AFTRA’s YouTube channel contains access to workshops, panels, interviews and other content. You can also search them by topic here.
• The SAG-AFTRA Member App helps you get things done when you aren’t in front of a computer.
• You can use the Signatory Search database to check if a production is a signatory under our contracts.
• National and local discounts for travel and other services are available for members.
• The SAG-AFTRA magazine contains helpful articles about the union and industry.
• The SAG-AFTRA podcast keeps members informed on various industry topics.

As you can see, SAG-AFTRA works hard to make sure members get the best wages and working conditions available, have access to healthcare and a pension plan, are paid properly, receive member benefits and stay engaged with other union members through a wide variety of committees and events.

You can learn more and stay engaged through the SAG-AFTRA website, app, the L.A. Local webpage, emails and member meetings and orientations. Connect with the L.A. Local through our social accounts at SAG-AFTRA MOVE Los Angeles on Facebook and Twitter @SAGAFTRAMOVEla.