Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1544866
20 SAG-AFTR A | Spring 2026 | sagaftra.org News, Information and Benefits A t its April 25–26 regularly scheduled two-day, in-person plenary in Los Angeles, SAG-AFTRA's National Board met to seat committees and hear leadership reports and contract updates. Secretary-Treasurer Michelle Hurd was appointed as a trustee of the SAG-Producers Pension Plan. President Sean Astin reported on his recent trip to Washington, D.C., to speak in support of SAG-AFTRA's public policy efforts, including the NO FAKES Act, the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act and federal film production tax incentives. Astin also discussed the importance of strategic planning and organizing, speaking enthusiastically about the forthcoming website and app updates. National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland reported on continuing TV/Theatrical negotiations, thanking the members of the Negotiating Committee. He discussed the union's ongoing work in the podcast space, commenting on it being an area of growth for covered work. Crabtree-Ireland also reflected on ongoing efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, as well as organizing and member engagement and outreach. Hurd and Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer Arianna Ozzanto presented the year-to-date financial results, sharing that SAG-AFTRA's reported revenue was higher than anticipated, with investments and dues reporting higher than budgeted. The Board voted unanimously to approve the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Crabtree-Ireland and Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez presented contracts updates. In preparation for Sound Recordings Code negotiations in August, the National Board approved appointments to the Sound Recordings Code Negotiating Committee. Wages and working conditions meetings for the Sound Recordings Code will start in June. The Board also approved the selection of the Television Animation Negotiating Committee for the Television Animation Agreement and Basic Cable Agreement for Animated Motion Pictures. Wages and working conditions meetings for the Television Animation Agreement will be held in the coming months. A resolution to authorize the current TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee to negotiate the Netflix Agreement was approved by the Board. National Board Preps for Negotiations O n March 26, SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin, Executive Vice President Linda Powell and Secretary-Treasurer Michelle Hurd went to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress for a closed-door, informal meeting about a variety of issues, including passage of the Nurture Originals, Foster Art and Keep Entertainment Safe, or NO FAKES, Act; the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act; and federal film production tax incentives. SAG-AFTRA National Board member Towanda Underdue, Washington-Mid Atlantic Local Board member Jack Speer and WMA Local Manager, Entertainment Contracts & Local Administration, Ryan Hastings also attended as representatives of the Local. Hosted by the Congressional Labor Caucus, the event was part of a regular monthly member meeting that brings together labor leaders and policymakers to discuss key issues impacting workers. Following remarks from Astin, caucus members participated in a Q&A with a focus on emerging labor policy priorities. Union Leaders Meet With Congress From left, EVP Linda Powell, President Sean Astin and Secretary-Treasurer Michelle Hurd visit the Capitol building to meet with members of the Congressional Labor Caucus. CLICK HERE for the latest TV/Theatrical/ Streaming Agreement News