The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is a union that represents nearly 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other media professionals. One of the most important contracts negotiated by SAG-AFTRA is the commercials contract, which covers the use of performers in advertising.
In 2016, SAG-AFTRA negotiated a new commercials contract that improved pay and working conditions for its members. The contract, which went into effect on April 1, 2016, includes several important provisions that benefit performers.
One of the most significant changes in the 2016 commercials contract is the increase in base pay for performers. The minimum rate for a principal performer, which is the lead or featured performer in a commercial, has gone up by 5% to $671 per day. The minimum rate for a background performer, which is a performer who appears in the background of a commercial, has gone up by 6% to $182 per day. Additionally, performers will receive an additional 0.5% of their base pay for each run of a commercial after the first, up to a total of 8 runs.
Another important change in the 2016 commercials contract is the improved working conditions for performers. The contract includes new provisions that protect performers from harassment, discrimination, and dangerous working conditions. Performers will also have access to better health and safety training and resources.
In addition to these improvements, the 2016 commercials contract includes several other important provisions. Performers will receive additional pay for work on internet and new media commercials, as well as commercials airing on Spanish-language television. The contract also includes new protections for performers in the use of their images and voices in commercials.
Overall, the 2016 SAG-AFTRA commercials contract is a significant improvement for performers, providing better pay and working conditions, as well as important new protections. It is an important reminder of the important role that unions like SAG-AFTRA play in protecting the rights of workers and promoting fair and equitable working conditions.