What is AFTRA?

The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) is a national labor union that represents all professional performers working in recorded TV and Radio. AFTRA members are actors, announcers, singers, dancers, narrators as well as television and radio station personnel (reporters, writers, disc jockeys).  

What does AFTRA cover?

Radio commercials; Television commercials (shot on video tape); Network TV; Audio cassettes and CD's; Network Cable; Educational TV and Radio; Interactive TV; Commercials for the Internet. AFTRA has collective bargaining agreements with television and radio stations nation-wide.

What is AFTRA's purpose?

AFTRA's main purpose is to negotiate and administrate fair wages and working conditions for the professional performer. AFTRA also focuses on issues such as changing labor laws, tax reform, and censorship.

What are the Benefits of AFTRA membership?

Fair wages

Residual payments

Overtime payments

Late payment penalty payments

Health insurance, with a limited dental benefit

Excellent pension plan

New-Member orientation seminars

Conservatory classes (taught by industry professionals)

Talent Directory (featuring local union performers - photo contact info and skills)  

Membership meetings (helpful panel discussions w/ producers and casting agents - great for networking)

Newsletter - local and national

Freelance and Broadcast hotline

Access to sample demos

Signatory lists and Government Producers list

AFTRA/SAG Federal Credit Union

Union Plus Everyday Savings programs 

How to join:

How much is it to join AFTRA?

Initiation fee: $1,600.00 (one time fee - payment plan available)

Minimum Dues: $63.90 per dues period

How often do I pay dues?

Dues are billed twice a year, May 1st and November 1st.

How are dues calculated?

Dues are based on the performer's AFTRA covered earnings in the previous year. AFTRA does not pro-rate dues for a partial dues period. 

Base dues: $63.90 each dues period (covers AFTRA earnings up to $2,000) Up to $100,000 - 0.743% (+ base dues) Over $100,000 - 0.137% of earnings over $100,000, added to calculations above.

Is there an inactive status for AFTRA membership?

Yes. A member may request inactive status when he/she has stopped working under AFTRA's jurisdiction and has no plans for future AFTRA employment. The request should be put in writing to the Membership Department at the Washington-Baltimore Local. Include your AFTRA ID number and reason for inactive status. Request may be emailed to jpurvis@aftra.com or faxed to (301) 656-3615 (Attention: Justin Purvis).

Please call (301) 657-2560 x856, x855 or x860 to request an application. For more information on AFTRA, please log on to www.aftra.org.

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