'Saturday Night Live' editors unanimously ratify first-ever deal

NBC's "Saturday Night Live" post-production team unanimously ratified their first-ever union contract, an agreement that will offer immediate wage increases to all members of the unit and avoid a strike deadline that members had set for April 1.

The vote took place during a Wednesday evening meeting of the team and representatives of the Editors Guild. The contract is now effective immediately and runs until summer 2026.

"The solidarity and bravery of this crew is so impressive," said Cathy Repola, General Manager National Publishers Guild. “They fought not only to improve their own professional lives; they also set a standard that will benefit anyone who follows in their footsteps in this institution of TV comedy. It was an honor to work with them to reach this important agreement. »

Under the terms of the contract, workers will see wage increases of up to 60%, in no more immediate ratification bonuses. Each team member will receive initial increases, ranging from 7.5% to 33.5%, effective when the show returns from a hiatus next week. It will also provide health care benefits to all crew members as well as arrangements for meals, hotel stays and car services given the non-traditional working hours of the long-running NBC sketch series. . A shared commitment has also been made to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within the crew.

Contract ratification comes after it was reported last week that the parties involved had reached to an agreement in principle. The 12-20 member team had previously organized with the Motion Picture Editors Guild and are part of IATSE Local 700. They originally announced plans to negotiate a contract in October.

Most of their colleagues on the show have long been on union contracts. But these workers - who help create the show's music video parodies and other popular pre-recorded segments - were unrepresented and paid far below industry standard rates.

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