Eight months after SAG-AFTRA issued a "Do Not Work Notice" against audiobook producer BeeAudio, the union has reached an agreement with the Oregon-based company to pay narrators industry standard wages.
BeeAudio was producing books for major publishers, but paying half — or even less than half — the industry standard rate to narrators, who will now receive rates ranging from $150 to $240 per completed hour of work.
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The new contract affects the more than 200 audiobook professionals currently on the company's roster.
"It makes sense for the company, the narrators, and the industry and we look forward to working with everyone at BeeAudio going forward."
"The relationship between BeeAudio and SAG-AFTRA began with a series of misunderstandings which have been amicably resolved," James Adams, Founder and CEO of BeeAudio, said. "We are in the middle of a publishing revolution and that clearly involves audiobooks. It's vital that innovative entrepreneurial companies like BeeAudio and unions like SAG-AFTRA work together to steer a steady course for the benefit of the consumer, business and union members."