SAG-AFTRA 2026 Contract Talk Begins - Why Is It Important For Hollywood?

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Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, popularly known as SAG-AFTRA, has reportedly started negotiating with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) as of February 9, 2026, before their current contract expires on June 30. Sean Astin took the leadership role in the 2026 labour negotiations. As per media reports, the SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP agreed to a media blackout during the negotiations to facilitate productive talks. According to reports, the SAG-AFTRA national board approved the official proposal package on Saturday (February 7). Until the process is complete, there is a media blackout imposed.

SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP in talks for contract renewal

Due to the media blackout, an official statement will not come until the negotiations materialise. As per the norm, SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP will each share proposals, after which they will review and counter. This procedure takes time, atleast a week. For the DGA, WGA and SAG-AFTRA, healthcare is of utmost priority. The health and pension plans have reportedly operated in deficits over the last few years to cover rising healthcare costs amid a decrease in employment.

Amid the rising popularity of AI, the SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP would discuss this topic as well for the proposal. The pending acquisition of Warner Bros is reportedly going to be a part of the discussion. While SAG-AFTRA’s current contract expires June 30, the Writers Guild of America East and West might begin negotiating by March, followed by the Directors Guild in May. The union has almost a month to make the deal.

SAG-AFTRA's strikes

SAG-AFTRA went on a strike from July 14 to November 9, 2023, over a labour dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). It was the longest actors' strike against the film and TV studios in Hollywood history. In 2023, SAG-AFTRA joined the Writers Guild of America (WGA). It led to a 118-day actors’ strike, becoming one of the longest in Hollywood history, after talks with studios collapsed over pay, streaming residuals, and AI protections. The strike eventually ended with a new contract that included pay increases, streaming bonuses, and some AI guardrails. However, many issues remained unresolved or partially addressed.

Later in 2025, union members in voice acting and related roles went on strike against major game publishers, demanding fair compensation and AI protections. After around 11 months, the strike ended with a tentative agreement. SAG and AFTRA were two different bodies before 2012. Back in the 90s, the strike affected audience viewership during the longest pre-21st-century actors’ strike.

Why is SAG-AFTRA important?

SAG-AFTRA is important for Hollywood as it represents nearly 1,60,000 actors, broadcasters, stunt performers, and other performers in the U.S. and beyond. The goal is to negotiate collective bargaining agreements with major studios and producers that cover wages, working conditions, health/pension plans, and prevalent issues like artificial intelligence (AI).