SAG-AFTRA Members Ratify TV Animation Contracts, Securing 12.6% Wage Increase For Voice Actors

SAG-AFTRA members nationwide have voted to ratify the 2026 Television Animation Agreement and Basic Cable Animation Agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). On Thursday, members voted 94.95% in approval of the new four-year contracts, which provide a 12.6% wage increase over the term of the agreement, enhanced protections around AI use, residual gains and increases to the Health Plan and pension and retirement plans. “As someone who often works in TV animation, my heartfelt thanks goes out to the TV Animation Negotiating Committee and co-chairs Bob Bergen and David Jolliffe for putting in the time and effort to get SAG-AFTRA members a dignified deal with essential AI protections,” said SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin in a statement. National Executive Director & CEO Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, coming off of his own contract renewal, said, “SAG-AFTRA members who work in TV Animation are entitled to meaningful protections around AI and wages that reflect the value of their labor. My gratitude goes out to TV Animation Negotiating Committee co-chairs Bob Bergen and David Jolliffe and the rest of the negotiating committee volunteers for their extraordinary and diligent work in ensuring animation performers have a sustainable future, and to Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez and the negotiating staff for their expertise and dedication.” Watch on Deadline The new agreements become effective retroactively from July 1, 2026, and they expire June 30, 2030.