What Is the Actors Union Name and Its Core Role
The main actors union name in the United States is SAG-AFTRA, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. It represents about 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, and voiceover artists. The union negotiates collective bargaining agreements, enforces contracts, and administers health and retirement plans through its affiliated trust funds. SAG-AFTRA also runs a lobbying and political action operation that files with the Federal Election Commission and files reports with the U.S. Department of Labor under the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act.
The union was formed in 2012 when the Screen Actors Guild merged with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Before the merger, the Screen Actors Guild was chartered by the AFL-CIO and had been a separate bargaining unit for screen performers since 1933. Today SAG-AFTRA remains an affiliate of the AFL-CIO and operates under a constitution, bylaws, and a board of directors elected by its membership. Financial and governance information is available in its annual reports and filings with the U.S. Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service.
Key Contracts, Campaigns, and Recent Financial Issues
SAG-AFTRA negotiates master agreements with studios, streaming platforms, and advertisers that set pay rates, residuals, and working conditions. In 2023, the union conducted a strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, focusing on wages, streaming residuals, and protections related to artificial intelligence. The strike ended after new agreements were reached that included higher base pay, transparency on AI usage, and enhanced pension and health contributions. Details of the agreements are summarized in union press releases and coverage by industry outlets.
Beyond entertainment contracts, SAG-AFTRA runs campaigns on issues such as safe workplaces, anti-piracy enforcement, and consumer protection for voice actors in video games and interactive media. The union also administers the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan and the SAG-AFTRA Retirement Plan, which rely on employer contributions and member dues. Financial data on these plans is reported in Form 5500 filings with the U.S. Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service, which are publicly accessible. The union also operates a foundation that provides emergency assistance and supports training programs for members.
How to Verify the Actors Union Name and Access Official Resources
If you need to confirm the official actors union name for a contract, filing, or research project, the primary source is SAG-AFTRA's public website and its Department of Labor filings. You can search for the union's Employer Identification Number, annual reports, and Form 5500 filings through the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Labor-Management Standards. The Internal Revenue Service also provides exempt organization search tools where you can look up SAG-AFTRA's tax filings and governance documents.
For current membership data, contract summaries, and news about negotiations, the union publishes press releases and official statements on its website and social media channels. Industry outlets such as Variety and The Hollywood Reporter regularly report on SAG-AFTRA bargaining updates, strike votes, and financial highlights. When evaluating any actors union name, check whether the organization is chartered by the AFL-CIO, files labor reports with the Department of Labor, and provides clear contact information for its headquarters and regional offices.