September 20, 2016
By John Quinn, LaborPress USA
New York, NY – This is the first time SAG-AFTRA has signed this nationally broadcast awards show to a union contract. Clearly a landmark agreement for SAG-AFTRA with Telemundo. The union had an unsuccessful organizing campaign for years.
“This is an important step,” SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris said. “I applaud Telemundo for moving in the right direction by ensuring fair wages and working conditions for its performers during this year’s Latin American Music Awards. As the network increases production and reaches record audiences, we look forward to continued progress.”
SAG-AFTRA has accused Telemundo and its parent company NBC Universal of a double standard regarding Spanish programing and Latin performers. Pay for Latin performers is generally less than English-language performers. The union claims performers at Telemundo make much less than those at NBC.