SAG/AFTRA’S new three-year TV/theatrical contract calls for an annual 2 percent wage increase for a total of 6 percent, and a 10 percent boost in employer contributions to the unions’ health and pension plans. That brings the total contribution rate to 16.5 percent, effective July 1, 2011.

Those were the two highlights of SAF/AFTRA’S agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) reached this past Sunday morning.

The increase in employer contributions represent the largest dollar value increase to the plans, under these contracts, since the plans were founded. It’s the largest percentage increase to the plans in more than 20 years.

The tentative accord was reached after six weeks of negotiation. The current contracts expire June 20, 2011 and the new three year agreement commences July 1, 2011 and is in effect through June 30, 2014.

Other highlights:

Two additional background positions in theatrical and one additional background position in television in the Western Zones.

An expansion of major role provisions to apply to new pay television series commencing in their second season.

Expanded union coverage over made for new media productions.

Increases in the area of money and schedule breaks.

Improved contract language to increase equal employment opportunities for union performers.

The unions also agreed to modifications in the travel provisions of the contracts.

Details of the new agreement will be submitted for approval to the Joint National Board of AFTRA and Screen Actors Guild.

Upon approval, the pact will be sent out for joint ratification by the unions’ memberships.

Formal negotiations between the 26-member Joint AFTRA-Screen Actors Guild Negotiating Committee and the AMPTP began Sept. 27, in Los Angeles. Talks were preceded by months of joint wages and working conditions meetings held this past summer.

This article originally ran on reelchicago.com.