Performers Union Members Secure Temporary Dues Relief

Actors union members sidelined and financially struggling due to the global health crisis are getting some relief.

SAG-AFTRA announced this week that it has developed a program to provide dues relief for many of its SAG-AFTRA members during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

 Under the program, SAG-AFTRA members who are financially able to pay their dues in full are urged to do so upon receipt of their May semi-annual dues bill. Members experiencing financial hardship resulting from work stoppages related to COVID-19 will be granted a due date extension and an installment plan for those payments. As part of that relief, no late fees will be assessed and there will be no adverse impact on members’ work eligibility during this time, the union, which represents approximately 160,000 members, revealed in a statement.

 SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris said, “As working people, we know the great difficulties our members are facing. In order to relieve some of the financial stress so many people are dealing with at this time, the Finance Committee worked to provide much needed relief.”

 “I also want to thank the Executive Committee for their rapid response and diligence in launching this program to quickly bring help to our membership,” she added.

 With production slowed or halted across SAG-AFTRA entertainment, television and commercials contract areas, it is crucial that the union is able to collect the greatest portion of revenue possible to ensure critical services continue without disruption.

 In light of the extraordinary challenges all organizations are facing during this global pandemic, the Executive Committee also approved a resolution designating the union as being in a status of resource conservation. This move is meant to ensure that SAG-AFTRA resources are exclusively devoted to essential, core functions, such as residuals payment processing, contract negotiation and enforcement, and organizing. During this period routine and non-essential meetings and activities will be deferred.

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals.