AFTRA, SAG Reach Merger Agreement

Entertainer unions the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) have reached a merger agreement reports the LA Times. AFTRA, which represents actors, broadcasters, disc jockeys, singers and dancers, maintains a Nashville office.

Leaders of the organizations have come to a deal following nine days holed up at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel. The negotiation process began two years ago, according to the article.

The organizations’ boards are expected to endorse the merger which would then go to member vote. Approval would be needed by at least 60% of those vote.

Combining the outfits would give them more leverage in contract negotiations with members’ employers and end feuding between the two groups.

AFTRA has about 70,000 members, and SAG represents about 125,000 actors, with at least 40,000 who are members of both unions.