Expert: Kitty Kavey - 5/24/2007

Question
What are the benefits for actors when  joining AFTRA?

Is it in the best interest for an actor to become a member of AFTRA?

Does an actor need to be have dual membership with AFTRA and SAG?

Answer
An actor does not need to join the unions, unless they want to work professionally in the area that a particular union covers - SAG being primarily film, and AFTRA covering primarily television and radio/voiceover - although they tend to overlap somewhat.  The unions are there to guarantee minimum salaries, make sure that there re safe working conditions and health and retirement benefits for their members.  If a dispute arises, they will assist you in resolving the issue.  Agencies affiliated with the unions not only have to follow state laws, but also union rules as well.  
In a union state such as California, union talent are considered 'professional,' and there are rules in place so that union productions hire primarily union talent.
Other than earning more money, for less hours, with better food, accommodations, etc., union talent also enjoys various benefits and programs such as medical/health plans, retirement funds, emergency services for those who find themselves down on their luck, seminars and speakers, credit unions, events, and other support services.
If an actor lives/works in a non union state (such as Florida) it might be better to not join the union, as the majority of work available there is non-union.  However, in a union state, the actor may be better served joining the union that covers the type of work they do most often.  Some actors work regularly in areas covered by both SAG and AFTRA, so will join both, while others may just work in one area so will join only one union.  Many union-affiliated agencies will not represent non-union talent, so it's something to consider, particularly in the union states.
Best Regards,
~Kitty