Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)

Definition

SAG-AFTRA is a labor union that represents performers in the film, television, and radio industries. It was formed in 2012 through the merger of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). This organization plays a crucial role in protecting the rights of its members, negotiating contracts, and ensuring fair working conditions within the entertainment industry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SAG-AFTRA has over 160,000 members, including actors, voiceover artists, and broadcast professionals.
2. The union is known for negotiating industry-wide agreements that set minimum wages and working conditions for its members.
3. SAG-AFTRA advocates for diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry, pushing for equal representation on screen and behind the scenes.
4. Members of SAG-AFTRA benefit from health insurance and pension plans provided through the union's collective bargaining agreements.
5. The merger of SAG and AFTRA was aimed at strengthening the voice of performers in an ever-evolving media landscape.

Review Questions

• How does SAG-AFTRA influence working conditions for actors in the film and television industries?
  • SAG-AFTRA influences working conditions by negotiating collective bargaining agreements that establish minimum wages, safety protocols, and other essential working conditions. Through these agreements, the union ensures that actors are compensated fairly and work in environments that meet industry standards. Additionally, SAG-AFTRA provides resources and support for actors who face issues related to their employment.
• Discuss the significance of SAG-AFTRA's merger in terms of representation for performers across different media.
  • The merger of SAG and AFTRA was significant because it united two major organizations representing different aspects of the entertainment industry. This consolidation allowed for a stronger collective voice advocating for performers in film, television, and radio. By coming together, SAG-AFTRA could better address the challenges faced by members across various platforms and negotiate comprehensive contracts that reflect the diverse needs of its members.
• Evaluate how SAG-AFTRA’s efforts towards diversity and inclusion impact the overall landscape of the entertainment industry.
  • SAG-AFTRA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has had a profound impact on the entertainment industry by promoting equitable representation both on-screen and behind-the-scenes. This push encourages studios and networks to create more inclusive content, ultimately leading to richer storytelling that reflects a broader range of experiences. By holding producers accountable to their diversity initiatives, SAG-AFTRA fosters an environment where underrepresented voices can thrive, thereby transforming industry norms and expectations.

Related terms

Collective Bargaining: The process in which unions negotiate with employers on behalf of their members to establish wages, working conditions, and other employment terms.

Union Membership: Being part of a labor union that represents workers' interests, providing support, resources, and advocacy for its members.

Residuals: Payments made to performers for the reuse of their work, such as when a film or television show is aired multiple times or sold for streaming.