SAG and AFTRA iron out details

Talks between the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists crept along on Monday due largely in part to the unions’ ungainly approval process and their insistence that the agreement be written in precise contract language, Variety reports. The actors’ contract expired at midnight Saturday, but both sides have said the terms of the expired contract will remain in effect while negotiations continue. According to Variety, negotiators reached a basic outline on key issues over the weekend, including a 3.5 percent gain in minimums, an increase in guest-star fees, hikes in residuals for basic cable, Foreign TV and Fox Network and pension and health contributions. A breakdown in talks at this point is unlikely and chances of a strike are no longer viewed as a threat. The Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers originally asked the two sides to begin negotiations last fall, but the SAG wanted to wait until a deal between the AMPTP and the Writers Guild of America was reached. Talks are scheduled to continue Tuesday.