SAG-AFTRA Votes To Extend Duncan Crabtree-Ireland’s Contract With Updated Title

SAG-AFTRA has voted to extend National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland‘s contract through June 20, 2032.

During Saturday’s meeting, the SAG-AFTRA National Board approved the agreement with a 98.34% vote in favor of extending Crabtree-Ireland’s contract beyond its current June 21, 2028 expiration date, in addition to adding CEO to his title.

The updated title “better reflect the breadth of his responsibilities,” which includes his continued role as chief negotiator for the union. Details of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Leading SAG-AFTRA’s staff is the honor of my career, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep doing this work,” said Crabtree-Ireland in a statement. “As we continue fighting for human creativity, the coming years will be crucial for charting the path forward. I intend to fight alongside our leadership to make sure our members control their image, likeness, voice, and destiny in the workplace, and that they are compensated fairly in the process. I thank President Astin, the national officers, and the National Board for their trust, and our extraordinary staff team for everything they make possible.”

SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin said, “To battle giant global transnational corporations, we need expert leadership with a track record of successful bargaining and significant operational management expertise. That is Duncan. He is a powerful executive who has led our union at the bargaining table, in the halls of congress and in boardrooms and conference rooms across the industry and the world. We are thrilled to have guaranteed Duncan’s continued service to the members of SAG-AFTRA.”

Crabtree-Ireland’s new contract comes at a pivotal moment for the Screen Actors Guild as Hollywood faces uncertain times amid the Paramount Skydance acquisition of Warner Bros, which the union’s leadership has opposed.

Back in May, Crabtree-Ireland negotiated SAG-AFTRA’s new deal with the AMPTP, signing a four-year contract with the producers’ trade association.