The 2025 SAG-AFTRA National Convention ended after three days of meetings in which member delegates discussed and voted on resolutions that will shape the union’s work for the next two years. The event, themed “Connect, Engage, Empower,” included elections for national vice presidents and debates on key proposals.
SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin addressed delegates at the close of the convention, highlighting their dedication: “In a time when the industry is transforming, it is remarkable that more than 400 members put their names on a ballot to be elected to this body and attend this convention. They gave unstintingly of their time over three days of meticulous, thoughtful and careful work on important resolutions designed to take us into the next phase of our union. We debated and discussed 22 member-authored resolutions and the delegation passed 17 of them. Each resolution was drafted with the passionate attention and support of numerous member leaders, all with the aim of enhancing operations and improving member service.”
Astin emphasized collaboration among newly elected officers: “The elections resulted in a national officer team that is passionate, dedicated and responsive to the delegation and the membership at large. I look forward to working with Executive Vice President Linda Powell, Secretary-Treasurer Michelle Hurd and our seven geographic and category vice presidents. Together, we are poised to take our union to the next level and I am thrilled to be working with this leadership team.”
He also noted a presentation by SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland: “SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland provided a deeply thoughtful presentation on operations and added immense insight and critical context to issues confronting our members and our industry. His presentation on A.I. was comprehensive and farsighted, and we are so fortunate to have him leading our staff and operations.”
Astin spoke about future priorities such as strengthening relationships with talent agents, making casting platforms more accessible for performers, legislative advocacy at federal and state levels, improving board oversight functions, as well as preparing for upcoming contract negotiations.
He said: “What we heard over the last two days came through loud and clear and inspired the delegation to move forward confidently in the future. We will improve the board’s oversight functions and move our union forward. Coming away from this extraordinary convention is the moment that we turn the page — to a new sense of optimism in a difficult time and to fully realize all that our union is capable of.”
Both Astin and Crabtree-Ireland highlighted how passing resolutions drives change within SAG-AFTRA as it prepares for TV/Theatrical/Streaming negotiations set for 2026.
Astin urged delegates: “You leave here with memories and a mission. Bring your members to our wages and working conditions meetings so we can hear about their experiences and concerns directly from them.”
Crabtree-Ireland reported legislative efforts supporting bills like the federal NO FAKES Act aimed at protecting performers’ rights amid digital changes. He described progress including establishing a Success Bonus Distribution Fund—an additional income source for those in successful streaming productions—and recent contracts such as an Interactive Media Agreement reached after nearly a year-long strike that secured significant artificial intelligence protections.
“The union intends to ensure that human-centered creativity continues to flourish in the age of A.I. Our contracts will ensure members are always compensated for the use of their work, and our legislative strategy aims to make sure no one can use an individual’s likeness or voice without consent,” said Crabtree-Ireland.
Executive Vice President Linda Powell encouraged leaders’ roles in education within technological change: “I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue collaborating with our brother and sister unions to do everything we can to make sure that workers’ voices are included in the creation of the unknown new normal that we all know is rising up around us… Because we’re storytellers. We can use our voices,our platforms and our work to amplify the need to center humanity in our society.”
Secretary-Treasurer Michelle Hurd reflected on her experience while focusing on financial health: “As I take on the awesome responsibility of being SAG-AFTRA’s secretary-treasurer, I’m not interested in the drama of the past; I’m focused on finding solutions… Times of change can be difficult but they often open doors… While I know the coming years won’t be easy,I’m optimistic about our future,the recovery of the industry,and continued growth…”
During earlier sessions at this biennial event—which convenes again in 2027—delegates also held officer elections; awards including George Heller Memorial Award were presented along with American Scene Awards.
SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 professionals across various entertainment sectors nationwide.
