SAG-AFTRA Pushing Unionization for Telemundo Performers
SAG-AFTRA has called on NBCUniversal to allow for the unionization of Spanish-language performers on its Telemundo productions.
The performers union accused NBCUniversal of operating with a double standard between Spanish-language and English-language talent hired for productions under the same parent corporation.
SAG-AFTRA made the announcement Tuesday on the heels of NBCUniversal unveiling plans for a new headquarters in Miami for its Telemundo operations — including Telemundo Network, Telemundo Studios, Telemundo International, the cable network NBC Universo and all of the company’s digital media operations.
“SAG-AFTRA strongly supports the expansion of production infrastructure wherever it creates quality jobs for entertainment industry professionals,” said SAG-AFTRA Miami Local executive director Herta Suarez. “This ground breaking is an opportunity for NBCUniversal to lead the industry and help end the perpetuation of second-class status for professional performers who work in Spanish-language programming.”
The union said that because talent on Spanish-language networks are not covered by SAG-AFTRA contracts, the performers do not receive benefits that SAG-AFTRA contracts provide such as fair pay, water breaks, health insurance and residuals.
NBCUniversal had no immediate response to SAG-AFTRA’s statements.
“We will be closely monitoring Telemundo’s development on behalf of actors, dancers and other professional performers in Florida, and we will continue to advocate for fair pay and working conditions for all performers, regardless of the language in which they are performing,” Suarez added.
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