The US actors’ union has said the deal that ended its months-long strike was an “enormous victory” after it was ratified last night.

About 78% of SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) members voted in favour of the contract, with a turnout of around 38%.

The walkout lasted 118 days and brought Hollywood to a standstill, halting productions on film and television shows.

The strike ended on 9 November when a tentative agreement was reached between the union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and TV Producers (AMPTP). It began on 14 July, with pay disputes and the threat of artificial intelligence being the main issues.

SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said: “Today we close out one of the most important chapters in recent entertainment industry history.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

“This contract is an enormous victory for working performers, and it marks the dawning of a new era for the industry. Getting to this point was truly a collective effort.

“With the ratification of this agreement, SAG-AFTRA members will receive unprecedented wage escalation, significantly improved streaming compensation, and the first-ever crucial protections around the use of artificial intelligence technology.”

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Read more:
The Hollywood stars who supported the actors’ strike
Brian Cox and Simon Pegg among British stars to back action

The deal now specifies compensation has to equate to the amount of work that would have been done by the actor, while companies have to get the consent of performers to use their facial features as part of the creation of any synthetic elements.

Click to subscribe to Backstage wherever you get your podcasts

The actors’ strike came at the same time as the Writers Guild of America action, which was resolved in September, as the union agreed to a deal with studio bosses after 146 days on the picket line.

Related posts:

Black Widow, Luxe House Sydney and The Surrogate Caroline Flack’s ex-fiance pleads guilty to harassing journalist Dan Wootton Former teacher wins book of the year with ‘joyous’ sonnet collection K-Pop star killed in Seoul Halloween crowd crush Victoria Beckham’s daughter-in-law denies ‘feud’ over wedding dress Taylor Swift becomes the first to claim top 10 slots in US charts US country star, 37, dies hours after getting married Squid Game star to stand trial on indecent assault charges Jeremy Renner wrote ‘last words’ to family after snow plough accident ‘Have some respect’: Radio 1 DJ pulled off air after clash during live Ibiza show Axl Rose, Jamie Foxx and NYC mayor accused of sexual assault as window for historical lawsuits closes Baz Luhrmann: Film industry ‘way behind’ on governing AI