LOS ANGELES - The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists announced a contract deal with producers on Wednesday that left the larger Screen Actors Guild as the last major Hollywood union without a new labor agreement.

The tentative deal by AFTRA largely followed the script laid out in contracts approved by directors in January and by writers after their 100-day strike ended in February.

SAG leaders, however, have said they want a better deal than writers and directors. Their talks with studios resumed on Wednesday, with both sides hoping to avoid another crippling walkout.

In a message to members Tuesday night, SAG said it would continue to seek an increase in residual payments for DVDs, something neither AFTRA, directors nor writers were able to secure.

It also raised concerns about actors being asked to pitch products within scripted TV shows and movies.

USA Today posts the full story from the AP

See also:
AFTRA Reaches Tentative Agreement with AMPTP on Primetime Television Contract (AFTRA news release)

Pressure shifts to SAG after AFTRA deal (The Hollywood Reporter)

Gilbert hopes SAG returns with open mind (The Hollywood Reporter)

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