SAG-AFTRA has reached a tentative agreement with Telemundo Television Studios to cover Spanish-language TV performers.
The contract comes after 15 months of negotiations which followed a vote by Telemundo performers to unionize on March 8, 2017.
“This is a historic moment for Spanish-language performers in our industry. I am incredibly proud of our negotiating team and what they have accomplished,” said SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris. “I also want to acknowledge Telemundo’s efforts in working with us to reach this agreement: a first contract with residuals, minimums, and pension and health ̶ three pillars that set a strong foundation for generations to come.”
Among the key elements of the new three-year deal are:
- Contributions to and participation in the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan and SAG-Producers Pension Plan for the first time
- Residuals for both foreign and domestic exploitation and streaming platforms, based on a percentage of Telemundo’s gross receipts
- First ever guaranteed minimum rates for all covered performer categories (including actors, stunt performers, singers and dancers).
- Annual increases in all newly-established minimums between 1-2% per year
- Substantially upgraded minimum rates for day players after the ninth day of work on any production
- Newly established working conditions and safety protections, including:
- Minimum rest period between calls of 10 hours
- Requirement for qualified personnel to coordinate stunts
- Provisions regarding protection of minors
- Overtime, holiday pay, and per diem when on location
Details of the new agreement will be presented to the unit performers at an informational meeting in Miami Thursday night, and subsequently to the SAG-AFTRA National Board for approval at its upcoming meeting on July 21, after which details of the contract will be made available.