Joining the Actors’ Equity Association: Financial Implications and Benefits
Ever since the late 19th century when unions began advocating for better pay, safer work conditions, and fair benefits, they’ve had a significant role in defending workers’ rights. One such union is the Actors’ Equity Association – a union primarily for actors and stage managers.
Over the years, this union has worked hard to negotiate favorable terms for its members. For example, it recently achieved better conditions for ‘lab contracts’ – agreements that were not previously very beneficial to the actors and stage managers involved. After two years of unsuccessful negotiations, a strike led to improved terms.
However, union membership rates have been declining, from a peak of 35% in 1954 to about 11% today. This is all despite the fact that unions are among the most powerful platforms for employees to bring about substantial changes at their workplace. This decreasing popularity might be because corporations typically don’t like unions, often making efforts to eliminate them.
The Actors’ Equity Association, or simply ‘Equity’, also represents stage managers. This is because, when the union started in 1913, it was common for the stage manager to also be an actor. Stage managers have been specifically recognized in Equity documents since a landmark arbitration case in the late 1910s.
Joining Equity can be a bit challenging. While opportunities do exist for non-union stage managers to gain experience and qualify for membership, these tend not to be clearly labelled on job listings. Moreover, getting an ‘Equity contract job’ – another way to join – is often reserved for existing Equity members.
The financial aspect of joining Equity is simple enough; pay $200 to start the Membership Candidate program and, once you complete your 25 weeks, you have 5 years to join. Afterwards, an initiation fee is due, part of which must be paid instantly to access membership privileges, and the rest of it can be paid within two years. There is also a fee known as the Basic Dues billed twice a year, and you have to pay Working Dues, which are 2.5% of your gross earnings under the Equity contract.
Once a member, you gain the ability to work on Equity contracts, and possibly access healthcare coverage, albeit with some qualifying requirements. The healthcare coverage is affordable, but you must work a certain number of weeks within a year to qualify. This can be a hurdle as getting those minimum weeks might mean taking lower-paying gigs than you normally would.
Another benefit Equity offers is a 401(k) fund and a pension plan that members can invest in and use towards retirement. However, it’s crucial to remember that once you join Equity, you can only take Equity contract jobs — taking non-Union jobs in the theatrical field is not allowed. Therefore, it’s essential to have a network outside of Equity jurisdictions to ensure financial stability.
Equity also provides workplace protection, mandating mandatory breaks, meal times, limits on daily working hours, and restricting additional duties without due compensation.
Whether joining the Actors’ Equity Association is the right career move for you depends on a range of factors. It’s a decision based on personal work experiences, career goals, and network. Ultimately, the choice belongs to you.