Two sets of national union/guild and production industry contracts were approved last week that allows for a smooth continuation of commercial and non-broadcast work for members.
The DGA and AICP announced a tentative agreement for a new two-year national commercial contract, and SAG and AFTRA extended their respective non-broadcast contracts for 18 months with a slight increase in pension and health benefits.
DGA’s agreement, from Nov. 1, 2009 through October 31, 2011, includes salary increases, the adoption of a code of preferred practices on creative rights, and provisions protecting and securing pension and health coverage for directors.
DGA national president Taylor Hackford expressed his pleasure at the outcome of the negotiations, “especially considering the state of advertising in this economy.
“By working together with the AICP, we were able to find solutions that will benefit both sides of the table, ultimately providing more work for all of us.”
The proposed agreement will be sent to the DGA membership for ratification.
SAG and AFTRA extend non-broadcast contracts
SAG and AFTRA non-broadcast contracts, which set to expire on Oct. 29, 2009, are now effective Nov. 1, 2009, to April 31, 2011. The agreement includes a of 0.5% increase in employer contributions to the unions’ pension and health funds.
The terms include an important clarification: work produced under the contracts is not and never has been intended for the production of commercials.
The SAG and AFTRA contracts cover performers for on-camera and voiceover in sales programs, educational and training videos, informational and promotional messages seen in stores and video included in certain consumer products, and other projects that are exhibited outside of the traditional broadcast arena.
AFTRA’s contract also covers an audio-only content, such as telephone messages and sound included in consumer products.
Eileen Willenborg, local AFTRA/SAG executive director, was pleased with the extensions, calling “a good move, given the state of the economy and the visual media industry.” She added, “We intend to use the extension time to bring business back into the union fold.”
Presidents of both performers’ unions also expressed satisfaction. The extension, said SAG national president Ken Howard, “reflects the importance of joint bargaining.” AFTRA national president Robert Reardon noted how the contract will help “provide steady employment for thousands of union members in small and large markets across the nation.”
DGA’s Chicago is 400 N. Michigan; phone, 312/644-5050. SAG/AFTRA’s office is at 1 E. Erie; phone, 312/573-8081.
