The SAG-AFTRA National Board has agreed to the tentative Commercials Contracts deal with the Joint Policy Committee dated April 12. The new deal comes with several key changes, including a significant increase in one-year streaming use fees by up to 33.33%, and paid YouTube.com usage now sees a 12% increase over current Traditional Digital rates. This change aligns with YouTube’s status as a premium platform.
The agreement includes wage growth, with compensation rising by 5% in the first year, 4% in the second, and 3% in the third. Over the three-year span, the deal is expected to generate $218.4 million in new earnings and benefit plan contributions.
There are also new comprehensive A.I. protections within the Commercials Contracts. These protections include the first restrictions on using performers’ work to train generative A.I. models.
Following the Board’s approval and their advising of a “yes” vote, the agreement is now up for ratification by union members. Detailed information on the agreement will soon be available, and voting instructions will be sent by mail.
The organization has planned informational meetings online for members nationwide to discuss the tentative agreement. These meetings are scheduled to take place on multiple dates and times, beginning May 1 and ending May 9. Members unable to attend or with questions can contact SAG-AFTRA via email or phone.
Only active members are allowed to join these informational meetings, although parents or guardians of performers under 18 are welcome.
Further updates will be communicated via email.
