The Ins and Outs of the SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement
As a performer, understanding the SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement is crucial to ensuring that you are fairly compensated for your work and that your rights are protected. This agreement, which is negotiated by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), sets the minimum standards for wages, working conditions, and other terms of employment for performers working in film, television, and other media.
What is the SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement?
The SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement is a collective bargaining agreement that covers a wide range of issues related to performers` employment. It includes provisions for minimum wages, overtime, rest periods, meal breaks, travel and lodging, and health and retirement benefits, among other things. The agreement is negotiated between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and applies to all SAG-AFTRA members working under the jurisdiction of the agreement.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
One of the key provisions of the SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement is the minimum wage scale, which sets the minimum amount that performers must be paid for their work. This scale varies depending on the type of production, the length of the workday, and other factors. For example, as of 2021, the minimum daily rate for a performer in a theatrical motion picture is $1,005, while the minimum daily rate for a performer in a television program is $906.
| Type Production | Minimum Daily Rate (2021) |
|---|---|
| Theatrical Motion Picture | $1,005 |
| Television Program | $906 |
In addition to setting minimum wages, the agreement also includes provisions for overtime pay, rest periods, and meal breaks to ensure that performers are not overworked or taken advantage of. It also establishes requirements for travel and lodging when performers are required to work away from their home base.
Why Matters
Understanding SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement essential performers provides safety net minimum standards rely employment. Without this agreement, performers would be at the mercy of producers and studios, and could potentially be exploited or underpaid for their work.
For example, in a case study conducted in 2019, it was found that performers working under the SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement earned an average of 33% more than non-union performers in similar roles. This demonstrates the importance of the agreement in ensuring that performers receive fair compensation for their work.
The SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement plays a vital role in protecting the rights and ensuring fair compensation for performers working in the entertainment industry. By understanding Key Provisions of the Agreement, performers advocate ensure treated fairly employment. It essential SAG-AFTRA members familiarize agreement seek legal advice believe rights violated.
SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement Contract
This agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into this [Date], by and between [Party Name], hereinafter referred to as “Producer”, and [Party Name], hereinafter referred to as “Performer”.
Whereas, the parties desire to enter into an agreement for the services of the Performer in connection with the production of [Title of Production], and desire to set forth the terms and conditions of such agreement.
| 1. Scope Services | The Performer agrees to perform the services of [Description of Services] in connection with the production of [Title of Production]. |
|---|---|
| 2. Compensation | The Performer shall be compensated in accordance with the SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement and any applicable laws and regulations. |
| 3. Representations Warranties | Performer represents warrants legal capacity enter Agreement perform services required herein. |
| 4. Governing Law | This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [State], without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions. |
| 5. Entire Agreement | This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to such subject matter. |
| 6. Severability | If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to be valid and enforceable. |
| 7. Signatures | This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement may be executed and delivered by facsimile or electronic transmission. |
Top 10 Legal Questions about SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. What is the SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement? | The SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement is a collective bargaining agreement that covers work in film, television, and new media productions. It sets the minimum terms and conditions for performers, including wages, working hours, and other benefits. |
| 2. Who is covered by the SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement? | The Basic Agreement covers SAG-AFTRA members who are working as performers in the entertainment industry. It applies to all productions that fall under its jurisdiction, regardless of the size or budget of the production. |
| 3. What are the key provisions of the SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement? | The Basic Agreement includes provisions related to minimum compensation, working conditions, residual payments, and health and retirement benefits. It also outlines the union`s jurisdiction and the process for resolving disputes. |
| 4. Can producers and employers negotiate terms outside of the Basic Agreement? | While the Basic Agreement sets minimum standards, producers and employers can negotiate terms that are more favorable to performers. However, they negotiate terms less favorable outlined Agreement. |
| 5. Are there any exceptions to the SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement? | There are certain exceptions and waivers that may apply to low-budget, student, and experimental productions. These exceptions are outlined in the Agreement and must be approved by the union. |
| 6. What is the process for resolving disputes under the SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement? | The Agreement includes a grievance and arbitration process for resolving disputes between performers and producers. This process allows for the resolution of disputes related to wages, working conditions, and other contractual issues. |
| 7. How is the SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement enforced? | Enforcement of the Basic Agreement is the responsibility of the union, which may take legal action against producers or employers who violate its terms. Performers also have the right to file grievances and seek arbitration for alleged violations. |
| 8. Can non-union performers work under the SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement? | Non-union performers can work under the terms of the Basic Agreement by obtaining a Taft-Hartley waiver, which allows them to work on a union production without being a union member. However, entitled minimum terms conditions union performers. |
| 9. How often is the SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement renegotiated? | The Basic Agreement is renegotiated every few years through a process of collective bargaining between the union and producers` representatives. This allows for updates and changes to the terms and conditions that reflect the evolving nature of the entertainment industry. |
| 10. Where can I find a copy of the SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement? | Copies Basic Agreement available SAG-AFTRA website, well union`s offices. It is important for performers and producers to have access to the current version of the Agreement to ensure compliance with its terms. |