Government Affairs & Public Policy

SAG-AFTRA plays a critical role as an advocate on entertainment and media industry issues in the United States and internationally. By working with the AFL-CIO, sister unions, other organizations or as the sole voice on behalf of members, the union helps protect and expand the rights of our members under local, state, and federal laws and regulations. 

SAG-AFTRA’s Government Affairs & Public Policy (GAPP) Department develops and manages strategies to inform and influence public policy at city, state, federal and international levels. 

Some of the issues GAPP monitors include:

Digital Copyright Theft

WIPO Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances

Public Performance Royalties & pre-1972 Sound Recordings

Digital Image Rights & Right of Publicity 

State Production Incentives

Child Performer Protections

Broadcast Non-Compete provisions

So-called “Right to Work” legislation

Age Discrimination

This is achieved by monitoring legislative and regulatory activity, conducting lobbying and grassroots campaigns, participating in national and local coalitions, creating forums and educational tools, and promoting positive relations with other organizations.

SAG-AFTRA National Government Affairs and Public Policy Committee Mission Statement

The SAG-AFTRA Government Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) Committee will work with the GAPP Department to develop and recommend to the SAG-AFTRA Board legislative and public policy initiatives that serve to protect and expand the rights of SAG-AFTRA members under local, state, and federal laws and regulations. We will partner with others with similar interests on policy matters that further the welfare of our members and the industries in which they work.