Attorney: SAG, AFTRA Merger Not A Done Deal
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A so-called "super-union" of Hollywood actors and other media performers may hinge on whether a faction of the town's biggest union approves the deal.
KNX 1070's Ed Mertz reports the propose union would bring together members of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of TV & Radio Artists (AFTRA).
Podcast
Negotiators for both SAG and AFTRA have reportedly settled on an agreement to merge the two unions, but entertainment attorney Jonathan Handel said any merger is still far from being a done deal.
"There was some significant opposition within SAG Hollywood," Handel said.
The agreement would establish the largest union in Hollywood, with over film and TV actors, newscasters, stunt and digital performers, and thousands of others.
While resistance within the union has been easing gradually, some influential members still want to be separate from other unions and are concerned about how the merger would impact pension and medical benefits.
"It may well pass with flying colors, but we don't know just yet," said Handel.
Handel said fans can expect a very visible campaign to promote the proposed merger during the upcoming SAG Awards on Jan. 29.
