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One way of looking at #SAGAFTRA's $318M contract with the AMPTP is as "record-breaking," as the union puts it.
But when you see the wage increases are only 2.5% (conditionally 3% in Y2 & Y3), you realize $318M could be seen differently:
The AMPTP may have "paid off" the union.
But when you see the wage increases are only 2.5% (conditionally 3% in Y2 & Y3), you realize $318M could be seen differently:
The AMPTP may have "paid off" the union.
I don't mean it in a bribe sense. I mean it in this sense:
#SAGAFTRA loves prestige. Being able to tout a $318M contract makes them sound fantastic. Calling that figure "record-breaking" keeps one from gazing closely at the details.
#SAGAFTRA loves prestige. Being able to tout a $318M contract makes them sound fantastic. Calling that figure "record-breaking" keeps one from gazing closely at the details.
Those details provide only 2.5% wage increases -- even amid this pandemic.
Sure, in Y2 & Y3, the union could decide they could be 3% increases instead. But that would be ignoring their facially endangered benefit plan funding.
Plus, in the past, they've never opted to take 3%.
Sure, in Y2 & Y3, the union could decide they could be 3% increases instead. But that would be ignoring their facially endangered benefit plan funding.
Plus, in the past, they've never opted to take 3%.
So, the AMPTP may have been ready to blow a little more more money to make #SAGAFTRA "feel prestigious." If #SAGAFTRA got to "feel" that, then they might not feel compelled to bargain harder.
Increases in wages are one of the most evident ways #SAGAFTRA actors improve their living. Many actors, such as background actors and stand-ins, don't even qualify for residuals, a gain this tentative agreement trumpets.
It's hard for BG or SIs to get excited about it. Why?
It's hard for BG or SIs to get excited about it. Why?
Because there doesn't seem to be much added benefit for BG & SIs. It's a status quo agreement -- more of the same.
Unless you are a nude background actor. (?)
And if you're an LA BG, your class gets one more possible job … starting in Y2.
Unless you are a nude background actor. (?)
And if you're an LA BG, your class gets one more possible job … starting in Y2.
So don't let #SAGAFTRA's chant that its $318M deal is "record-breaking" distract you.
How will that large number actually affect you, if you only see another 2.5% increase in wages per year?
For me, it's great to see a wage increase. But this isn't a "record-breaking" increase.
How will that large number actually affect you, if you only see another 2.5% increase in wages per year?
For me, it's great to see a wage increase. But this isn't a "record-breaking" increase.
Something to celebrate would be a wage increase across the board, unconditionally, above 3%.
4%? 5%? Esp. considering this is a pandemic with most members unemployed.
(Keep in mind #SAGAFTRA set its bargaining package in July 2019 -- way before any indication of a pandemic.)
4%? 5%? Esp. considering this is a pandemic with most members unemployed.
(Keep in mind #SAGAFTRA set its bargaining package in July 2019 -- way before any indication of a pandemic.)
Thoughts?
If you're a BG or SI, why are you voting yes for #SAGAFTRA's tentative agreement, considering the other tweets in this thread?
If you're a BG or SI, why are you voting yes for #SAGAFTRA's tentative agreement, considering the other tweets in this thread?
