The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists AFTRA is a performer's union that aims to represent actors in radio and television, much like the Screen Actors Guild does for movies, as well as radio and television announcers and newspersons, singers, actors, announcers and other performers in commercials, and recording artists. The union currently (2005) has approximately 80,000 members in affiliated locals in major cities throughout the United States. The two largest locals are in Los Angeles, CA, and New York City. AFTRA negotiate wages and working conditions including dollar figures for standard contracts, residual payments for re-use of performances, unemployment, health and pension benefits for its members. AFTRA is affiliated with the AFL-CIO.
--W.L. Craig