AFTRA - The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) — affiliated with the AFL-CIO — represents over 70,000 professional performers, broadcasters, and recording artists in 32 locals throughout the country, according to the union.
AFTRA's representation is an entertainment industry union which covers broadcast, public and cable television (news, sports and weather; drama and comedy, soaps, talk and variety shows, documentaries, children's programming, reality and game shows); radio (news, commercials, hosted programs); sound recordings (CDs, singles, Broadway cast albums, audio books); "non-broadcast" and industrial material as well as Internet and digital programming.
AFTRA members perform in television and radio advertising, non-broadcast video, audio books and messaging, as well as for developing technologies such as interactive games and Internet material. Sound recording membership includes artists who performing pop, rock, country, classical, folk, jazz, comedy, Latin, hip hop, rap and R&B.
The union negotiates and enforces over 300 collective bargaining agreements that guarantee minimum (but never maximum) salaries, safe working conditions, and health and retirement benefits. When AFTRA is unable to resolve disputes with employers, the union's contracts include procedures for binding arbitration. The union pays the cost of these proceedings.
As for benefits, AFTRA was the first entertainment industry union to establish employer-paid health and retirement plans for members and their dependents that qualify.
AFTRA was founded and is governed by members. Each of the locals around the country elects its own board of directors, in addition to electing representatives to the national board. The local and national boards set the direction of the organization and establish its policies on the local and national levels. For more information, contact AFTRA directly.
LINKS
AFTRA
The union's website.
AFTRA Health & Retirement Funds
Benefits available to AFTRA members.
AFTRA Tackles Finances
AFTRA's convention concluded with the passing of two amendments to the union's constitution.
AFTRA, Hedgpeth Make History
Kim Roberts Hedgpeth has become the first African American to be named the national executive director of a major American performers union.
SAG, AFTRA Okay TV/Theatrical Pact
The new, three-year $200 million TV/Theatrical contract includes increases in wages, benefits, and new jobs. Supporters have called it the unions' "richest" contract in history.
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