SAG-AFTRA members approve deal with major studios

SAG-AFTRA members overwhelmingly approved a four-year contract with major studios, including Netflix, Disney, and Warner Bros. Discovery, on Thursday. The deal, ratified by 91% of the 160,000 performers in the union, extends from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2030, and increases minimum wages by 3% annually while consolidating previously separate pension plans. The agreement addresses growing concerns about artificial intelligence in film and television. Studios agreed to prioritize human performances, allowing synthetic actors only if they provide 'significant additional value.' Producers must notify the union and negotiate in good faith if using AI for roles that could be filled by human actors. The contract also expands health plan contributions by 1% and increases bonuses from residuals. Critics argue the deal does not go far enough in protecting performers from AI replicas. Chuck Slavin, a background actor, called the terms 'normalizing' synthetic performers instead of safeguarding human jobs. Despite opposition, the contract merges the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists pension plans, resolving a long-standing issue for members. The new agreement follows the Writers Guild of America’s contract approval in April, avoiding another industry-wide strike like the one in 2023. SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin stated the deal delivers meaningful gains in compensation and strengthens protections for performers in an evolving industry. The contract also recognizes modern work trends, including those of influencers and stunt performers.