Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1535197
sagaftra.org | Spring 2025 | SAG -AF TR A 97 • Additionally, the Commercials Contracts now boast the most comprehensive A.I. protections of any contract and include the first restrictions on using performers' work to train A.I. models. • One-year streaming use fees have been increased by up to 33.33% to keep stride with the transforming advertising industry, and paid YouTube use now commands a 12% increase over the current Traditional Digital rates — a restructuring that reflects its rise as a premium platform. "A huge congratulations to the Commercials Contracts Negotiating Committee for their diligent work on this important step forward in protecting performers' livelihoods during a time of major technological upheaval in the ad industry," said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. "Led with strength, wisdom, intellect and patience by co-chairs Katie Von Till and Erin Fritch — brava, ladies! — this powerhouse agreement addresses tech with more A.I. protections than any contract so far. Well done!" "This deal, hard-won thanks to an incredibly dedicated negotiating committee, achieves real wage growth and puts rules and a price tag on digital replica use — essential progress for a changing industry," said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. "I'm thrilled the National Board has approved this forward- thinking agreement and that members will now have a chance to review its many gains." ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • An initiative to develop an automated commercial use monitoring service. • Created a new extra zone and preference of employment for Austin, Texas. • Disability accommodations must be offered in writing at the time of engagement. • Dramatic improvements in protections for minor performers. • Late fee penalties have been strengthened and streamlined. • Per diems are required to be paid on the first day of work and/or travel. • Dancers who are asked to lip-synch now earn an extra 25% of session. • Singer wage increases for non-air demos. In order for voters to have as much information as possible, SAG-AFTRA held informational meetings for members across the country. A full summary of the agreement and FAQs are available at sagaftra.org/commercials2025. Scan this code or visit sagaftra.org/ commercials2025 for more details and FAQs. Eligible members were mailed a postcard with a PIN and voting instructions on April 30. If necessary, voters can retrieve their PIN at the voting website vote.ivsballot.com/commercials2025 by clicking "Find My PIN." Ballots must be received by 5 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Commercials continues from page 29 Jane Fonda continues from page 83 A B I G B E L I E V E R I N U N I O N S For Fonda, who was a visible supporter of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical/Streaming strike and a financial donor during the 1980 TV/Theatrical strike, building community is essential for empowering workers. "I'm a big believer in unions," Fonda said. "They have our backs. They bring us into community, and they give us power. Community means power. And this is really important right now, when workers' power is being attacked and community is being weakened." A L AT E B L O O M E R An unconventional career, a 15-year break from acting and a decision to re-enter the profession at 65 all point to Fonda's pursuit of self-actualization rather than a typical path to material achievement. In fact, Fonda is a performer to study for those needing proof that great artists can produce their greatest masterpieces later in life. In her often self-labeled "third act," the two-time Academy Award-winner has starred in 94 episodes of Grace and Frankie (2015–2022) as the much-beloved title character, Grace Hanson; performed with three other SAG Life Achievement honorees in 80 for Brady (2023); and won the Cecil B. DeMille Award. "And I made one of my most successful movies in my 80s," Fonda proclaimed, referring to Book Club (2018), which made over $105 million worldwide. "And probably in my 90s, I'll be doing my own stunts and an action movie. "It's okay to be a late bloomer as long as you don't miss the flower show," Fonda said. "I'm a late bloomer." To emphasize her point, she put her hand on the award. "This is the flower show." "Jane Fonda is a trailblazer and an extraordinary talent, a dynamic force who has shaped the landscape of entertainment, advocacy and culture with unwavering passion," SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said upon Fonda's selection for the recognition. "We honor Jane not only for her artistic brilliance, but for the profound legacy of activism and empowerment she has created. Her fearless honesty has been an inspiration to me and many others in our industry." Before leaving the stage, Fonda delivered a final message to her fellow actors. "We must find ways to project an inspiring vision of the future," she said. With her memorable speech and the active role she continues to play in fighting for a better world, Fonda clearly has used her platform to do just that. •