SAG-AFTRA Negotiating Committee Votes to Recommend Strike, Potentially Halting Hollywood Productions
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) negotiating committee has unanimously voted to recommend a strike, a move that could have a significant impact on Hollywood productions. This decision comes as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has been on strike for over two months with no signs of progress.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the major unions in Hollywood expressed their unwavering support and solidarity with SAG-AFTRA. The statement included the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Teamsters, Hollywood Basic Crafts, the Directors Guild of America (DGA), the Writers Guild of America East, and the Writers Guild of America West. They emphasized the importance of treating every worker, both on-screen and off, according to the value their skills and talents command.
The unions stated that this fight is not just about actors against the studios, but rather about workers across all crafts and departments in the industry standing together to prevent mega-corporations from eroding the hard-fought conditions achieved over decades.
The current SAG-AFTRA contract expired at 11:59 p.m. PT on Wednesday. Originally set to expire on June 30, the contract was extended after SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) reached an agreement.
In an effort to reach a deal before the contract expiration, union leaders and the AMPTP agreed on Tuesday to meet with federal mediators, according to SAG-AFTRA.
However, since a deal was not reached between the groups, a strike is now increasingly likely. In June, 98% of SAG-AFTRA members authorized a strike if an agreement could not be reached.
SAG-AFTRA emphasized their commitment to negotiating in good faith and exploring every possible opportunity to make a deal. However, they expressed doubts about the employers’ intentions to bargain toward an agreement.
SAG-AFTRA President and Chief Negotiator Fran Drescher stated that the compensation of working actors and performers has been severely eroded by the rise of the streaming ecosystem over the past decade. She also highlighted the existential threat posed by artificial intelligence to creative professions, emphasizing the need for contract language that protects actors from having their identity and talent exploited without consent and fair compensation.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers issued a separate statement expressing deep disappointment with SAG-AFTRA’s decision to walk away from negotiations. They claimed that the union dismissed their offer of historic pay and residual increases, higher caps on pension and health contributions, audition protections, shortened series option periods, and a groundbreaking AI proposal to protect actors’ digital likenesses.
The ongoing writers’ strike, which began in May, is already costing California’s economy $30 million per day, according to Deadline. Writers are demanding fair compensation as the shift to streaming has changed the way shows are made and monetized.
In a pre-strike protest in front of Netflix offices on Wednesday, actors voiced their financial struggles and the failure of contracts to keep pace with inflation. Their main concerns include streaming residuals, the impact of AI technology, and the need for increased earnings.
John Jared, a SAG-AFTRA member for three years, highlighted the misconception that most actors make millions of dollars, stating that many are struggling to make ends meet.
As negotiations continue, the future of Hollywood productions hangs in the balance, with the potential for a strike that could have far-reaching consequences for the industry.
What measures has SAG-AFTRA taken to negotiate in good faith and achieve a fair agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP)
The negotiating committee of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has unanimously voted to recommend a strike, which could have a major impact on Hollywood productions. This decision comes as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has been on strike for over two months with no sign of progress.
Several major unions in Hollywood, including the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Teamsters, Hollywood Basic Crafts, the Directors Guild of America (DGA), the Writers Guild of America East, and the Writers Guild of America West, have expressed their full support and solidarity with SAG-AFTRA. They emphasize the importance of fair treatment for all workers in the industry, regardless of their job or role.
The unions argue that this fight is not just about actors versus studios, but about all workers in the industry standing together to protect the hard-fought conditions and rights they have achieved over the years.
The current contract between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) expired on Wednesday. Despite an initial extension of the contract, a deal could not be reached, leading to an increased likelihood of a strike. In June, 98% of SAG-AFTRA members authorized a strike if necessary.
SAG-AFTRA maintains its commitment to negotiating in good faith and exploring every possible opportunity to achieve a fair agreement.
It’s crucial for Hollywood unions to remain united in their negotiations, and supporting SAG-AFTRA is a step towards ensuring fair deals for actors and other industry professionals. Let’s hope for a productive resolution that benefits everyone involved.