News & Broadcast

SAG-AFTRA uses the collective power of members to negotiate strong contracts that guarantee minimum (but never maximum) salaries, safe working conditions, and health and retirement benefits. SAG-AFTRA is at the forefront of bargaining with employers regarding new technologies that have inherent implications on the workload of our members. When the union is unable to resolve disputes with employers, SAG-AFTRA contracts include procedures for binding arbitration. The cost of these proceedings is paid by the union.

SAG-AFTRA does not make political endorsements, or contribute to election campaigns. However, SAG-AFTRA has an effective program to engage elected leaders on issues that directly affect broadcasters’ wages and working conditions. On issues such as ownership consolidation in the broadcast industry, Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations, health and safety issues, and opposing “non-compete” restrictions in employment contracts, SAG-AFTRA works on the federal, state, and local level to ensure that broadcasters’ voices are heard on important legislative and public policy issues.

In many cases, SAG-AFTRA contracts provide for participation in the AFTRA Health and Retirement Plan, which provides health insurance and a defined benefit pension plan to participants. SAG-AFTRA supports the welfare of its members through benefits and programs sponsored or supported by the union. AFTRA Health and Retirement Plan was the first multi-employer health and retirement plan in the industry. The Health Fund provides comprehensive medical and hospital benefits, a dental plan, a prescription drug program, as well as mental health and substance abuse programs. The Retirement Fund is portable, so that if you leave a station where you’ve got AFTRA H&R coverage to go work at another employer with AFTRA H&R coverage, your health coverage will be uninterrupted, and you’ll continue to earn vesting and pension credits toward a secure retirement.

SAG-AFTRA regularly provides personal service contract consultation. Whether or not you have legal or agency representation, SAG-AFTRA’s professional staff will provide you – at no cost – with an analysis of your employment contract, and an explanation of how that agreement intersects with the union contract in your workplace.

SAG-AFTRA provides broadcasters with the necessary tools, education and support needed to pursue their careers with security and dignity through member education classes, seminars, showcases, panels and industry event discounts.