SAG-AFTRA Members Earnings Hit Record Level in 2021; No Decision Yet On Disciplining Will Smith For Oscar Slap

Despite the pandemic, SAG-AFTRA member earnings hit a record high in 2021, even adjusted for inflation, the union said after its national board meeting Saturday. Animation, sound recordings and audiobooks set an inflation record for syndicated new media.

“The increase in business and overall revenue confirms the effectiveness of our turnaround protocols and the vital nature of our members’ contribution to the success of the media and entertainment industry,” said SAG-AFTRA’s National Executive Director. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. “We remember that many of our members have not seen a full return to employment, and we remain focused on getting everyone back to work.”

No decision was made at the board meeting about any possible disciplinary action against Will Smith for punching Chris Rock at the Oscars, though one source said the discussion was about changing the union’s disciplinary process to see if more than one member would bring charges against one. Only one of these charges would be brought against a member, and there would be no need to file multiple lawsuits on the same subject.

President Fran Drescher attended a virtual meeting from Washington at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, praising the union’s negotiating team for reaching a new advertising deal currently pending member approval. It also updated its council meetings in Washington to pass legislation on a number of key bills for union members, including the American Music Justice Act, the Artists’ Equal Tax Act, and the CROWN Act.

Noting that the association celebrated the 10th anniversary of the merger of SAG and AFTRA on March 30, 2012, Drescher told the council, “We are moving towards unity. I feel the energy on this happy 10th anniversary and proud to be your leader. We will chart a new trajectory and I only see the positive ahead”. It also reiterated its commitment to working with people in the industry to deliver more environmentally friendly practices.

In its financial statements, Chief Financial Officer Joel Fisher and Chief Financial Officer Ariana Ozanto said SAG-AFTRA was in “strong financial condition”, revenue and expenses were better than planned in the third quarter of fiscal 2022, and reserves were substantial. union said in a statement.

Fisher has reportedly donated the union’s $10 million payroll protection loan, and the union is seeing an “unprecedented increase in new members, representing confidence in the union and new revenue.” It also announced the formation of a Real Estate Investment Subcommittee to explore possible options for purchasing real estate in the Los Angeles area. This could lead to the purchase of a new union headquarters.

The council also approved the fiscal year 2023 budget, which includes “significant investments in new technology, innovative business projects and personnel.” Union said.

The AFTRA Pension Fund, which is independent and participates in the SAG pension scheme, is in the so-called green zone and is “expected to stay there and prosper”, said Christine Dibouas, Executive Director of AFTRA Pension Fund.