“Saturday Night Live” avoids strike as tentative deal is reached

A few weeks ago, we learned that the post-production editors at Saturday Night Live – which is a team that consists of 20 – could potentially strike. Over the weekend, we learned that a strike was averted.

The team struck a tentative deal with NBC last week, it’s been reported. The agreement “will result in pay increases of up to 60% ahead of a three-year deal. It also includes ratification bonuses, healthcare benefits, guarantees of employer-paid meals, transportation, and hotel accommodations for employees working long shifts with short turnarounds.”

“We are thrilled to have reached this tentative deal,” said Cathy Repola, National Executive Director of Motion Picture Editors Guild. “Thanks to the tremendous resolve of the crew, we reached a deal that represents real achievement in each of the areas our members identified as key, including dramatic improvements in wages. We’ll defer detailed public discussion of the terms until after our negotiators have had a chance to meet with the full crew to review the deal and hold a ratification vote.”

The news came just over 2 weeks before the April 1st deadline for when the strike would begin. We’re glad to hear a deal was ultimately reached!