AFTRA Ratifies Contract With AMPTP

One down, one to go -- The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) have ratified a three-year primetime television agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

Although 62.4% of the membership approved the deal, it’s not exactly an overwhelming percentage in either direction. As you can imagine, SAG members are furious that the deal has now been ratified because it leaves them with very little bargaining power with the AMPTP.

With a deal now ratified with AFTRA, the AMPTP issued the following statement to SAG members:

"The Producers remain committed to making a deal with SAG as soon as possible, which is why the AMPTP’s final offer would make the wage and salary increases retroactive to July 1, 2008 if the agreement is ratified by SAG’s membership no later than August 15, 2008.

We remain hopeful that SAG will accept our final offer and that its members will ratify the new agreement so that these economic gains can go into effect at the earliest possible period."

Will the SAG agree to the same terms as the other four unions? SAG members seem to be sticking to their guns for the time being, issuing a press release stating: "The Screen Actors Guild national negotiating committee remains dedicated to achieving a fair TV/Theatrical contract for SAG members as soon as possible." It's unlikely that the SAG will strike anytime soon, but as we all know, anything is possible in this business.