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AFTRA Tri-State FAQs
What kinds of work does AFTRA cover?
Answer – AFTRA represents actors and other professional performers, and broadcasters
in television, radio, sound recordings, non-broadcast/industrial programming and new
technologies such as interactive programming and CDROMs.
How do I find out if a particular job is covered by AFTRA?
Answer – Contact your Local office and be prepared to give specific details about the job
and the employer. Ask your Local to verify that the employer is signed to the appropriate
AFTRA contract. Union rules generally require members to work only for employers
who are signed to AFTRA contracts. It is in the member’s interest to verify the
employer’s signatory status before accepting a job.
How can I find out how much a job pays?Answer ? There are different answers for freelance work and staff employment at
broadcast stations.
Freelance: For specific rates and conditions of employment contact your Local office.
Rates for local or regional commercials and programs are available at your Local office.
Staff employment: AFTRA represents broadcasters and newspersons at over 300 radio
and television stations. Each collective bargaining agreement is separately negotiated
and includes minimum rates and conditions of employment. Contact your Local office to
inquire about specific agreements. How do I qualify for AFTRA medical, dental and pension benefits?
Answer – There are different answers for freelance work and staff employment at
broadcast stations.
Freelance: Please contact the Health and Retirement Office for more information on qualifying for benefits. You may reach them at 800.562.4690 or visit their website at www.aftrahr.com.
Broadcast station staff: Health, retirement and other benefits are subject to specific
provisions in each station’s AFTRA agreement. Some stations provide benefits under
their company plan, others contribute to the AFTRA Health & Retirement Funds and still
others provide a combination of company and AFTRA benefits. Contact your Local
office about benefits at a particular station. What if I do not quailify for benefits through AFTRA?
Answer - AFTRA has developed a supplemental benefits program that is not part of the AFTRA Health and Retirement Funds. This is for performers who do not meet the required earnings. For more information, please call 1-800-450-1271.
How do I join AFTRA?Answer - Any person who has performed or intends to perform in AFTRA?s jurisdiction
is eligible for membership. Contact your Local office for specific information about
AFTRA membership and its benefits. All Local offices have different initiation fees.
www.aftra.com
How much will it cost to be a member of AFTRA? Answer - New members must pay a one time initiation fee plus dues covering the first
dues period. The initiation fee in most Locals is $800 however, contact your Local office
to verify what their fee is (http://www.midwestuniontalent.com/contact_locations.php). Tri-State AFTRA currently has an initiation fee of $650.
Minors (under 18) are $325. Dues are billed each May 1st and October 1st and are based on a member's AFTRA earnings in the previous year. The first year you are a member, you are at minimum dues, which are currently $63.90 every 6 months. Does AFTRA have rules that govern agents?
Answer – Yes. In order to represent performers in AFTRA’s jurisdiction, talent agents
must obtain an AFTRA franchise. The franchise agreement sets forth rules and
regulations regarding representation of performers in AFTRA’s jurisdiction, including
when and how much commission can be charged.
How often am I billed for dues and what are my dues based on?
Answer - Your dues are based on your AFTRA earnings only. The first year you are a member, you are at minimum dues of $127.80 ($63.90 every 6 months). Dues are billed every May and October and you have until the end of each month to pay your dues. If they are not received by the end of the month, a penalty charge will be assessed to your account. What if I haven't worked in over 6 months and cannot pay my dues?
Answer - You need to call the office immediately. We can set you up on a payment plan and then you can request Honorary Withdrawal (see definitions below) once you have a zero balance. If you are unable to make payments, your membership will be suspended due to non-payment and you will not be cleared for work. To reinstate, you will either need to pay your balance and/or a reinstatement fee.
What if I decide to leave this industry totally? What happens to my membership?Answer - Again, you need to make sure you have a zero balance. To withdraw from AFTRA in good standing, send a written request for Honorary Withdrawal. If we do not receive a request for HW, your membership will be suspended after several consecutive periods of non-payment.
How do I maintain the status of good standing?
Answer - Just pay your dues on time or if you are set up on a payment plan, just make sure you follow through and send the proper amount each month…it’s that easy!
What if I am behind in my dues and I get booked for a job?
Answer - Once your check is received in the office, we will call you to let you know we have it and that arrangements need to be made to bring your account current. Remember, agents are supposed to only book performers in good standing. Your check will not be released to you or your agent until arrangements have been made regarding your balance. We can deposit the check on your behalf (with signed authorization), deduct your dues and send you the balance. Or, you may send a check to the office. Once that is received, your check will be released How do I withdraw from the union? Answer - In order to withdraw from the union, you must be a member in good standing for at least a year. Send written request to go on Honorary Withdrawal to the Tri-State office and we will get it processed. HW is meant for performers who have chosen to work in a different field and who are no longer going to be working in this industry. You must be on HW for a year otherwise, when you come back in you pay the back dues from the date of your original request. If you come back in after a year, you reinstate at the current minimum dues.
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