Home / Arts and Entertainment / Actors Ratify Contract: AI, Pensions Get Major Overhaul
Actors Ratify Contract: AI, Pensions Get Major Overhaul
12 May
Summary
- New AI protections prioritize human performances over synthetic actors.
- Actors' pension plans to merge by January 2028 with contribution increase.
- Minimum wage rates will increase by 3% annually over the four-year deal.
SAG-AFTRA members have ratified a new four-year contract with major studios and streamers, bringing an end to significant labor disputes. A key achievement is the introduction of robust protections against generative artificial intelligence, emphasizing a preference for human performances and limiting the use of synthetic actors unless they provide substantial added value to a project.
The agreement also addresses long-standing issues with the union's pension plans. A plan is in place to merge the SAG Pension Plan and the AFTRA Retirement Plan by January 1, 2028, accompanied by a 1% rise in contribution rates. This consolidation aims to streamline benefits for performers.
Further provisions include enhanced guardrails for AI-generated digital replicas, requiring justifiable business reasons for scanning performers and prohibiting their use during strikes. Minimum wage rates are set to increase by 3% annually throughout the contract's duration. Additionally, the deal recognizes choreographers as part of the film and TV agreement, and requires studios to display the SAG-AFTRA logo in end credits.
