SAG, AFTRA Merger Moves Closer
The merger of entertainment unions the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists appears imminent. Over the weekend the National Board of Directors of AFTRA voted overwhelmingly to approve and recommend to its membership a plan to merge with SAG. On Friday (1/27), the SAG National Board of Directors overwhelmingly approved the same merger package. The union is to be called SAG-AFTRA.
The Merger package outlines the merger plan, dues and finance structure, membership requirements and other basics.
Combining the unions is expected to give them negotiating power for better wages, working conditions, health and pension benefits, members’ work opportunities, contract enforcement, and protecting members against the unauthorized use of their work.
A referendum will be held by members of both unions in the coming weeks. At least 60% of those who vote must approve the merger in order for it take effect.
AFTRA represents more than 70,000 actors, broadcasters, singers, dancers, recording artist and other performers who work across the spectrum of media industries including television, radio, cable, sound recordings and digital media. SAG represents about 125,000 actors. At least 40,000 people are members of both unions.
