SAG, AFTRA Extend Contracts in Interim

Two unions representing film and television actors have agreed to temporarily extend their contract for commercial work with advertisers’ associations so negotiations for a new contract can continue.

The old contract expired Friday, but Screen Actors Guild officials advised their 65,000 members Saturday to continue auditioning and accepting work until further notice. The terms and conditions of the old contract will remain in effect during the extension.

The Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists have been in talks since Feb. 14 with the Assn. of National Advertisers and the American Assn. of Advertising Agencies.

Union members voted last week to authorize a strike if negotiations break down. The talks are set to resume April 10.

The unions want a 20% increase in residuals, the payments actors receive each time a commercial runs. The unions are also seeking increases for ads running on Spanish-language television and in foreign markets.