Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) members have voted to ratify the 2026 TV/Theatrical Agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
On Thursday, members approved the deal with a 91.42% vote in favor, and a return of a return of 19.25%, following the SAG-AFTRA board’s recommendation of the contract last month.
The contract builds on previous AI and digital replica protections, further restricting use of synthetics and providing added protection against AI replacing members’ work. Additionally, the deal creates a pathway for merging the SAG-Producers Pension Plan and the AFTRA Retirement Fund, meaning members’ earnings will no longer be split between the two plans.
“I’m proud of our SAG-AFTRA membership and the strength they continue to show when we move together with a shared purpose,” said SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin in a statement. “This agreement builds on the foundation members fought to establish and carries that work into the next chapter of our industry. It delivers meaningful gains in compensation, strengthens protections around artificial intelligence and digital identity, reinforces the long-term security of members’ benefit plans and recognizes the realities of how performers work today. Our members have always understood that protecting the future of this profession means preparing for change before it arrives. This agreement reflects that commitment and the collective power of this union.”
The AMPTP said in a statement, “The AMPTP and its member companies congratulate SAG-AFTRA on ratifying its new contract. This agreement delivers meaningful improvements in wages, pension and health benefits, streaming residuals, and performer protections. SAG-AFTRA’s leadership brought a genuine commitment to partnership, and together with the WGA agreement, these deals demonstrate what is possible when the industry works toward practical solutions that support its long-term stability. We look forward to building on that momentum.”
Formal negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP began on Feb. 9, concluding on May 2, with the SAG-AFTRA National Board voting on May 11. The agreement goes into effect on July 1, expiring on June 30, 2030.
