Actors Union Directors Expected to OK Pact

The new three-year TV and film contract between Hollywood studios and actors was expected to clear its first hurdle late Tuesday with the anticipated approval by Western directors of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

Under the union procedures, directors from the East will vote on the package Thursday, which will be followed by an expected ratification via mail by the 135,000 actors represented by the two unions.

Tentatively agreed to July 3, the new deal is estimated to provide more than $120 million in additional money for actors through such gains as better residuals for cable TV reruns, higher minimum levels for TV work and more pay for TV guest stars.