Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/681774
For Members N E W S , I N F O R M AT I O N A N D B E N E F I T S MEMBERS OK COMMERCIALS CONTRACTS I n order to meet the May dues period good-standing eligibility requirement to be nominated for election as a national officer, National Board member or local board member, members should ensure that their May 2016 dues bill payment is received by SAG-AFTRA no later than Thursday, June 9, 2016. Payments received after June 9, 2016, may affect your eligibility to vote, nominate and run in elections and participate in referenda. SAG-AFTRA reached the deal with the ad industry April 3 on new television, audio and digital Commercials Contracts. Formal negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the advertising industry began on Feb. 17. Highlights of the deal include: • Over $200 million in wage increases and other payments for all categories of performers; • Strategic expansion to the definition of a commercial that will help protect the contract's coverage in the area of digital; • A 7-percent upfront increase in wages; • A 1.2-percent increase in the pension, health and retirement contribution rates; • A 6-percent increase in national cable use fees in addition to the general increase; • 2-percent increase in Class A use fees in addition to the general increase; • Increases to Internet and new media use fees ranging from 6.25 percent to 16.7 percent in addition to the general increase; • New protections for minors to ensure set teacher ID and proper credentials are provided; • New rate for stand-ins at 110 percent of the general extra rate; and • Recognition of Veterans Day as a contractual holiday. SAG-AFTRA President and Negotiating Committee Co-Chair Gabrielle Carteris said, "The Commercials Contracts help protect the working conditions, livelihood and pension, health and retirement benefits of thousands of our members. The robust participation in this ratification vote demonstrates how SAG-AFTRA's future is driven from our members up to the elected leadership." SAG-AFTRA Negotiating Committee Co-Chair Sue-Anne Morrow said, "Our members working in digital advertising can rest easy knowing that we secured an excellent deal that protects all aspects of their work in new media. The new elements that we secured in our contract make this agreement even more relevant in a rapidly changing industry." SAG-AFTRA was represented by Negotiating Committee co-chairs Carteris and Morrow; Chief Negotiator David White; co-lead negotiators Ray Rodriguez and Mathis Dunn; and Senior Advisor John McGuire. ELECTION ELIGIBILITY REMINDER I n order to meet the May dues period good-standing eligibility requirement to be nominated for election as a national officer, National Board member, local board member or convention delegate, members should ensure that their May 2016 dues bill payment is received by SAG-AFTRA no later than Thursday, June 9, 2016. Payments received after June 9, 2016, may affect your eligibility to vote, nominate and run in elections. and participate in referenda. Timely payment entitles you to participate in union activities and receive member benefits, and also ensures that you will not be charged late payment fees. If you have not yet submitted a payment, we urge you to make payment of your dues right away through one of our convenient payment options, including our online payment system at SAGAFTRA.org. For questions regarding eligibility, please contact SAG-AFTRA at (323) 549-6614.