The SAG-AFTRA National Board has approved a tentative agreement for the 2025 Network Television Code. This agreement, which covers a variety of live and recorded programs, will now be presented to the membership for ratification.
Key elements of the agreement include an increase in the benefit plan contribution rate and a reallocation of existing contributions, effectively raising the AFTRA Retirement Fund contribution rate by 3.3 percentage points. The contract also proposes a general wage increase of 3.5% in year one, followed by 3% increases in years two and three, with additional targeted increases for specific performer categories.
The new contract expands streaming coverage for sports broadcasters, improves protections for young performers, enhances terms for dancers and singers, ensures hair and makeup equity, and provides earlier access to disability accommodations. It also mandates intimacy coordinators for scenes involving nudity or simulated sex.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher commented on the contract’s significance: “This is a meaningful and future-facing contract that raises the bar across the board.” National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland added that the agreement delivers “meaningful wage increases” and secures “vital gains in workplace safety and retirement contributions.”
Member informational meetings are being scheduled, with details available at sagaftra.org/netcode2025. Eligible members will receive postcards on July 30 and have until August 20 to vote on ratification.
The Board also reviewed various reports during their meeting. President Fran Drescher highlighted recent progress and advancements in securing A.I. protections. Crabtree-Ireland reported on recent agreements including those with NPR and Nickelodeon.
Finance results were presented by Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher and CFO Arianna Ozzanto, noting stronger than anticipated fiscal year results. Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez shared updates on agreements with Nickelodeon and other contracts covering non-dramatic programming.
The meeting concluded at 7:20 p.m. PDT.
SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 entertainment professionals across various roles in media.
