The Network Television Code Contract Renewal Affects Soaps

While soap opera writers went on strike last year during the Writers Guild of America strike, the four daytime dramas — Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, and Young and the Restless — all stayed in production. They also kept going when the actors went on strike, too. Now, however, the Network Television Code Contract is coming up for renewal and that deal does affect not only daytime dramas but other programming, too.

Will the Soaps Hit the Picket Line?

Deadline reports that SAG-AFTRA, the union that represents on-screen talent, is set to renegotiate the Network Television Code Contract, which is the contract that actors on soap operas are under. The current contract is good through June 30. 2024.

A series of meetings are taking place later this month. SAG-AFTRA is encouraging its members to go to those meetings before a proposal for talks is put forth. In addition to daytime serials, the Network Television Code Contract covers all non-dramatic programs, variety, quiz (or game) shows, reality, talk, news, sports programs, and promotional announcements.

The last deal for this contract was approved in June 2022 and included a general wage increase of 3% a year, a 1% benefit fund contribution increase, improved provisions for nude/intimate scenes, and increases for dancers on primetime variety shows as well as bumps for extras and stand-ins.

The Writers Guild of America strike lasted 148 days last year. On September 27, scribes got back to work. The actors’ strike, which did not affect soap opera performers, lasted from July 14 to December 9, 2023. While soaps continued without interruption, the strikes led to the delay of the 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.