AI Protections, Wage Hikes, Better Residuals: SAG-AFTRA Members To Vote On New TV Animation Deal

SAG-AFTRA members will vote on a new four-year television animation agreement that includes annual wage increases, expanded AI protections, and improved streaming residuals for voice actors.

The union’s Executive Committee has already unanimously approved the tentative 2026 Television Animation Agreement, negotiated with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

The proposed contract guarantees a 3% wage increase in each of its four years, with the first increase retroactive to July 5, 2026.

As a point of priority, the agreement also expands AI protections, incorporating improvements negotiated in the union’s 2026 live-action agreements while retaining provisions specifically designed for animation performers. The previous animation contract, ratified in 2024, established the union’s first AI protections specifically for voice actors.

Under the new deal, performers would receive an average 5% increase in residuals when programs move to subscription streaming platforms. It also increases residual calculations for certain high-budget animated streaming productions and raises the subscriber factor for qualifying programs on large foreign streaming services from 39% to 41%.

The agreement includes a 1% increase in employer contributions to SAG-AFTRA’s Health Plan and, beginning in 2028, a 1% increase in pension and retirement contributions. An additional 0.25% contribution will fund a new paid parental leave program.

“We sought to achieve gains in the areas that matter most to our members: wages, AI protections, better residuals, and contributions to the health and pension plans,” said SAG-AFTRA chief contracts officer Ray Rodriguez.

Voting closes October 29 at 5 p.m. PT.