Hollywood Actors Overwhelmingly Approve New Deal, Officially Ending Strikes

members of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) have voted overwhelmingly in favor of a new agreement, officially bringing an end to the recent strikes that gripped Hollywood. The vote, which took place among the union members, saw an impressive 78.33 percent in favor of the deal negotiated with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), while 21.67 percent voted against it.

This decision marks a significant milestone, as it concludes the first simultaneous strike by the unions for actors and writers in 63 years. The resolution brings relief to the entertainment industry, which has been grappling with the impact of the strikes on the production of films and television shows.

The new deal, set to run through June 30th, 2026, encompasses a range of provisions that stand to benefit actors and performers across various platforms. Notably, the agreement includes an impressive injection of more than $1 billion in new compensation and benefit plan funding. This move demonstrates a commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of the members of SAG-AFTRA.

Among the key highlights of the deal is the significant overhaul of traditional residuals formulas, ensuring actors receive outsized gains. In a move that reflects the changing landscape of the industry, a new compensation model for performers working in streaming has been introduced. This includes a substantial bonus on top of existing residuals structures, as well as compensation escalation for both principal and background actors.

The deal also addresses emerging challenges in the industry, such as the use of artificial intelligence. It establishes detailed informed consent and compensation guardrails for the use of AI, reflecting the union’s dedication to protecting its members in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Furthermore, the agreement tackles issues of equity in the workplace, including provisions for hair and makeup equity. It introduces meaningful protections for the casting process, aiming to create a fair and transparent environment for actors. Additionally, the deal includes robust sexual harassment prevention protections, underlining the commitment of SAG-AFTRA to fostering a safe and respectful working environment for its members.

As the entertainment industry breathes a collective sigh of relief, the resolution of the strikes and the approval of this comprehensive deal pave the way for a new era in Hollywood, one marked by collaboration and progress for the benefit of all those involved in the creation of captivating content for audiences worldwide.