The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is the largest labor union in the United States representing actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers/editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists, and other media professionals. It was formed in 2012 by the merger of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA).
SAG-AFTRA has over 160,000 members across 25 locals in the United States. It represents its members in negotiations with producers over wages, working conditions, and health and pension benefits. It also provides its members with a variety of services, including legal representation, career counseling, and access to health insurance and retirement plans.
SAG-AFTRA is a member of the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the United States. It is also affiliated with the International Federation of Actors (FIA), an international trade union organization that represents over 120,000 actors in over 60 countries.
History
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is a labor union representing actors in the film and television industry in the United States. Its history is closely tied to the development of labor rights and the entertainment industry. Here's a brief overview:
- Formation (1933):
The Screen Actors Guild was founded in 1933 in response to concerns about the treatment of actors in the film industry. At the time, actors faced long hours, low pay, and often unsafe working conditions.
- Early Struggles:
In its early years, SAG faced resistance) from some studios and producers who opposed the idea of actors organizing for better working conditions. Despite challenges, the guild gained traction and began negotiating with producers for standardized contracts and improved working conditions.
- First Strike (1937):
In 1937, SAG conducted its first major strike, known as the "Hollywood Strike of 1937." The primary issues were low pay, long working hours, and the lack of health and pension benefits. The strike was a significant step in asserting the rights of actors, and it led to the establishment of the first industry-wide agreement between actors and producers.
Growth and Influence:
Over the years, SAG continued to grow in membership and influence. It negotiated contracts that covered a wide range of issues, including wages, working conditions, residuals, and health and pension benefits.
- Merger:
In 2012, SAG merged with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) to form SAG-AFTRA. AFTRA represented performers in radio and television, and the merger aimed to create a stronger, more unified voice for actors across various media platforms.
- Modern Era:
SAG-AFTRA continues to play a vital role in the entertainment industry. The union negotiates collective bargaining agreements, protects the rights and interests of its members, and provides support services such as health and retirement benefits. It also addresses emerging issues related to new media and changing industry dynamics.
- Advocacy and Recognition:
SAG-AFTRA engages in advocacy on behalf of its members, addressing issues such as workplace safety, diversity and inclusion, and protection of intellectual property rights. The union also organizes the annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, which recognizes outstanding performances in film and television.
The Screen Actors Guild has played a crucial role in shaping the working conditions and rights of actors in the entertainment industry. Through negotiations, strikes, and advocacy, the union has worked to ensure that actors are treated fairly and receive appropriate compensation for their work.
Presidents
Presidents of SAG
- Ralph Morgan (1933, 1938–1940)
- Eddie Cantor (1933–1935)
- Robert Montgomery (1935–1938, 1946–1947)
- Edward Arnold (1940–1942)
- James Cagney (1942–1944)
- George Murphy (1944–1946)
- Ronald Reagan (1947–1952, 1959–1960)
- Walter Pidgeon (1952–1957)
- Leon Ames (1957–1958)
- Howard Keel (1958–1959)
- George Chandler (1960–1963)
- Dana Andrews (1963–1965)
- Charlton Heston (1965–1971)
- John Gavin (1971–1973)
- Dennis Weaver (1973–1975)
- Kathleen Nolan (1975–1979)
- William Schallert (1979–1981)
- Edward Asner (1981–1985)
- Patty Duke (1985–1988)
- Barry Gordon (1988–1995)
- Richard Masur (1995–1999)
- William Daniels (1999–2001)
- Melissa Gilbert (2001–2005)
- Alan Rosenberg (2005–2009)
- Ken Howard (2009–2012)
Presidents of SAG-AFTRA
- Ken Howard (2012–2016)
- Gabrielle Carteris (2016–present)