Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546062
CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS COMPOUNDED PAY INCREASES Minimum wage rates increase 3% annually (compounded) on July 1 through June 30, 2030. The Pension & Health contribution rate will increase 1% effective Sept. 6, 2026, and will increase by an additional 1% July 1, 2028, once the pension and retirement plans merge. FORTIFYING THE CAREER LADDER For new seasons commencing photography on or after Jan. 1, 2027, there will be a new higher scale for recurring weekly performers and guest stars engaged on more than 60% of episodes in a season or more than 60% of the parts in a miniseries. MORE FOR SERIES REGULARS The provisions also include improvements on relocation allowances, options, exclusivity and span for series regulars. merger date of Jan. 1, 2028. The new plan will combine the "best of both worlds" for all participants by joining the accrual rate, vesting schedule and other benefit terms of the Pension Plan with a 12.5% increase to the maximum pension benefit (from $96,000 to $108,000) to match the maximum benefit under the Retirement Fund. Once the plans merge, you will continue to receive no less than the full amount of your SAG and/or AFTRA pension if you are already vested. No accrued vested benefits can or will be reduced as a result of this merger. Upon merger, producers agreed to provide a 1% increase to the contribution rate to the merged plan effective July 1, 2028. BETTER RESIDUALS The contracts provide major gains in the area of residuals, including improved residuals and contributions when television programs and theatrical motion pictures move to streaming platforms. Other residuals gains increase the ceilings when calculating high-budget subscription video on demand — SVOD — residuals, secure better pay for foreign high-budget SVOD residuals for the largest international services, and create more restrictions on advance-paid residuals. DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS Producers now need to provide performers and background actors written information for requesting disability accommodations. If it is not practicable to do so prior to the first day of employment, the producer will provide such information at the first opportunity. HUMANITY BACK IN THE CASTING PROCESS For certain types of TV roles, every performer will now be able to request live virtual casting sessions. Performers may still submit self-tapes at their preference. 44 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2026 | sagaftra.org Astin, right, with SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local President & TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee member Joely Fisher. CLICK HERE to listen to the podcast episode Digging Into the Details of the TV/ Theatrical Agreement. CLICK HERE to listen to the podcast episode Unpacking the 2026 TV/ Theatrical Tentative Agreement.