Sag-aftra

Definition

SAG-AFTRA is a labor union representing actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, and other media professionals in the United States. It was formed in 2012 through the merger of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), and it plays a crucial role in negotiating contracts, protecting workers' rights, and ensuring fair wages and working conditions for its members in the entertainment industry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SAG-AFTRA represents over 160,000 members across various fields in entertainment, including film, television, radio, and digital media.
2. The union advocates for its members by negotiating contracts that include provisions for health benefits, pensions, and working conditions.
3. SAG-AFTRA enforces industry standards to protect its members from unfair labor practices and discrimination.
4. Members of SAG-AFTRA must meet specific eligibility criteria to join, which may include a minimum amount of work on union projects or participation in certain productions.
5. The union plays a significant role in addressing issues such as diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry through its various initiatives and programs.

Review Questions

• How does SAG-AFTRA influence the working conditions and wages for its members in the entertainment industry?
  • SAG-AFTRA influences working conditions and wages through collective bargaining agreements that set industry standards for pay, safety, and hours worked. By negotiating these contracts on behalf of its members, the union ensures fair compensation and protects against exploitation. The contracts often include specific clauses that address issues such as overtime pay, benefits, and workplace safety regulations, significantly impacting the livelihoods of actors and media professionals.
• What role does SAG-AFTRA play in advocating for diversity and inclusion within the entertainment sector?
  • SAG-AFTRA actively advocates for diversity and inclusion within the entertainment sector by implementing initiatives aimed at increasing representation both on-screen and behind-the-scenes. The union recognizes the importance of diverse voices in storytelling and works to create opportunities for underrepresented groups. This includes promoting policies that support hiring practices focused on equity and ensuring that all performers have access to fair employment opportunities.
• Evaluate the significance of residual payments for SAG-AFTRA members and how they affect long-term career sustainability for performers.
  • Residual payments are crucial for SAG-AFTRA members as they provide ongoing income each time a project is re-aired or distributed. This system not only compensates performers for their work but also contributes to their long-term financial stability. For many actors, residuals can represent a significant portion of their annual income, allowing them to pursue careers in the arts while mitigating financial risks associated with the uncertainty of acting jobs. This structure helps support sustained artistic careers in an industry characterized by fluctuating employment opportunities.

Related terms

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

Union Membership: The status of being a part of a labor union, which often provides members with benefits such as job security, representation in disputes, and access to better pay and working conditions.

Residuals: Payments made to performers when a film or television show is re-aired or distributed beyond its initial release, serving as additional compensation for their work.