Sag-Aftra issued a letter to its members, calling out BBH for disregarding its contract with the workers' union.
In the letter, titled "Sag-Aftra Calls BS on Ad Agency BBH," the union for screen and stage actors said: "Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH), an ad agency that has long been signatory to the Sag-Aftra Commercials Contract, is now disputing its status as a signatory. Sag-Aftra is challenging BBH’s position.
"BBH believes it is free to disregard the terms of your contract, including contributions to your Pension & Health benefits, minimum compensation, and the responsible use of your image, voice and performance."
Sag-Aftra said to its members that while it hasn't called for a strike against the Publicis firm, "if we are unable to resolve this matter, we will take that step very soon."
This is the first noted dispute between the guild and the ad industry since the aforementioned commercials contract was hammered out in 2016 between the group and a joint committee of the 4A’s and the ANA. The Drum has reached out to BBH for comment.