Dear Member,
I am pleased to report that after years of false starts, interruptions, and delays, the Federation has reached a three-year deal with CBS, NBC, and ABC for a successor Television Videotape Agreement, subject to ratification.
Despite fierce resistance from the networks, we succeeded in obtaining a streaming residual when TV programs are exhibited on advertiser-supported (AVOD) streaming platforms. We also achieved annual wage increases and additional health and welfare contributions. The new AVOD residual is a fundamental, structural contract change that would not have been possible without the solidarity, activism, hard work, and enormous time investment of all involved in the negotiations, for which I am very thankful.
If you are planning to gather with family and friends this weekend, please do so safely, and please accept my best wishes for a happy, healthy, and meaningful Thanksgiving.
In Unity,
Ray Hair
AFM International President