AFTRA, nets pact on successor contract

The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists has arrived at a tentative three-year deal on the successor agreement for its network code deal, covering non-primetime use the 4 major television broadcast systems. Deal, introduced Friday evening, features a 1% rise in employer contributions towards the AFTRA Health insurance and Retirement Funds to create the entire contribtion to to 16.5%. Discussions started on November. 7. If ratified through the AFTRA people, the 3-year agreement will run from November. 16, 2011 through November. 15, 2014. The ''net code,'' that was extended with a year in June 2010, is scheduled to run out on November. 15 but was extended on the day-to-day basis throughout discussions. The internet code is AFTRA's greatest contract and creates a lot more than $250 million annually in member earnings so they cover programming outdoors primetime drama and sitcoms including dramas in first-run distribution, morning news shows, talk shows, serials (cleaning soap operas), variety, reality, contest and sports. Current programs covered include: ''Good Morning America,'' ''The View,'' ''The Cost is appropriate,'' ''General Hospital,'' ''Saturday Evening Live,'' ''Dancing Using the Stars,'' ''The Voice,'' ''Survivor,'' ''20/20,'' ''Deal or No Deal'' and ''Late Show with David Letterman.'' The Screen Stars Guild covers most primetime programs though AFTRA's had the opportunity to sign the lion's share of recent series to AFTRA deals. AFTRA leader Roberta Reardon chaired the 25-member settling committee and AFTRA national professional director Kim Roberts Hedgpeth assists as chief negotiator. A press blackout had continued to be essentially throughout discussions. AFTRA stated Friday the new deal elevated wages by 6% within the term from the agreement (2% every year) for many groups. The TwoPercent yearly hike in minimums continues to be standard for that successor deals signed by Hollywood unions recently. Other new provisions increase minimum hazard purchase ballroom dancers from $80 to $100 daily, and from $100 to $125 per program the $37.50 overtime rate for Performers is going to be compensated beginning in the seventh rather than the ninth hour iIncrease the minimum workday for stand-Inches who focus on primetime variety and award shows, which will raise the minimum daily rate by 20% to 67% and iImproved contract language to improve equal employment possibilities for union entertainers AFTRA stated full particulars from the tentative agreement is going to be posted for approval towards the AFTRA National Board on Jan. 28. When the board grants, the offer is going to be sent for ratification through the membership. AFTRA has about 70,000 people. Its leaders happen to be focusing on a merger plan with SAG leaders and also have been striving to provide that plan the following month for any possible election by people early in the year. The systems also released an argument: ''The tentative three-year agreement with AFTRA develops the increases in benefit contributions produced in last year's extension, further strengthening the pension and health benefit plans which are so essential to entertainers as well as their families. Each side labored faithfully to achieve an offer that's both fair and recognizes the demands facing producing television programs created under this Code.'' Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com