SAG-AFTRA Communications Staff Form Union

SAG-AFTRA has voluntarily recognized a union for its communications and marketing staffers. The decision follows a card count confirming majority support for organizing among the staff.

Union Affiliation and Representation

The newly formed SAG-AFTRA Communications Staff Union is affiliated with the National Organization of Legal Services Workers (NOLSW), United Auto Workers Local 2320. NOLSW already represents organizing staffers within SAG-AFTRA, expanding its presence within the performers’ union.

Who is Included in the New Union?

Diverse Roles Represented

Staff members joining the union include a wide range of roles within the Communications & Marketing Department. These positions include writers, magazine staff, social media workers, audio and video producers, event planners, and publicists.

Organizing Committee Statement

“We sincerely appreciate that SAG-AFTRA has been an efficient partner in this process,” the organizing committee stated. They expressed optimism that the union certification marks “a positive step toward a brighter future” and anticipates “productive bargaining” for their first contract.

Motivations Behind the Union Drive

The organizing drive began on March 26, with staffers citing concerns about wages and the increasing use of generative A.I. The committee highlighted the “skyrocketing cost of living in Los Angeles” as a key factor.

They also emphasized their commitment to ensuring SAG-AFTRA members “always get top-notch, human-made content from their union.”

Next Steps: Contract Negotiations

Both SAG-AFTRA and the newly formed union will now begin the process of negotiating a first collective bargaining agreement. A SAG-AFTRA spokesperson stated the union anticipates “productive” negotiations.

“We have a long and successful history of working with represented staff, who make up close to half of our employees, including staff represented by OPEIU, NOLSW and Teamsters,” the spokesperson added.