AFTRA Approves New Contract

 According to ReelGrok.com: The American Federation of Television & Radio Artists (AFTRA) ratified their primetime agreement, quashing SAG's efforts to have the contract voted down.

The AFTRA deal was passed by 62% of voting members and echo those signed by WGA and DGA. SAG had wanted this deal killed to gain leverage with producers. SAG feels actors should get better terms in new media, DVD residuals and salary minimums. AFTRA claims their contract keeps people employed and increases salaries without concessions.  In brief, primetime TV minimums increase by 3.5% 7/1/08 with an additional 3% on 7/1/09 and 3.5% on 7/1/10.

SAG agreed to meet with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) 7/10/08 to discuss the last and apparently final offer presented more than a week ago.