SAG-AFTRA Calls To Launch First Strike In Over Four Decades
In a historic move, the national board of SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) unanimously voted to initiate a strike against the film and television industry. This marks the first strike by actors since 1980 and coincides with the ongoing Writers Guild strike, making it the first time in over six decades that both actors and writers are on strike simultaneously. The decision came after failed negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to reach a fair agreement on a new contract.
The negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP reached an impasse, with the guild's negotiating committee unanimously recommending a strike after the companies failed to engage meaningfully on crucial topics. On June 5, SAG-AFTRA members overwhelmingly voted in favor of authorizing a strike if a satisfactory deal couldn't be achieved.
Fran Drescher, the President of SAG-AFTRA, expressed the guild's frustration, stating that the AMPTP's responses to their proposals were disrespectful and insulting. Drescher emphasized the significant contributions of actors to the industry and the need for a fair deal that addresses performers' needs. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the National Executive Director and chief negotiator, highlighted the unilateral changes in the industry's business model by studios and streamers, which were not accompanied by favorable modifications to actors' contracts. The refusal of the AMPTP to engage meaningfully and the fundamental disrespect towards SAG-AFTRA members led to this decisive moment.
AMPTP issued a statement expressing deep disappointment over SAG-AFTRA's decision to walk away from negotiations. They outlined the historic pay and residual increases, improved pension and health contributions, audition protections, shortened series option periods, and a groundbreaking AI proposal aimed at protecting actors' digital likenesses. According to AMPTP, SAG-AFTRA's choice to strike dismisses the generous offers made by the companies, further exacerbating the financial hardship faced by thousands dependent on the industry.
The strike, set to begin after midnight, will lead to picketing at major studios, affecting film and scripted TV shows employing SAG-AFTRA members worldwide. However, soap operas, covered under a separate contract, will be exempt. The strike falls under the purview of the guild's Global Rule One, which prohibits members from working for employers without a basic minimum agreement in place.
The decision to strike follows the Directors Guild's ratification of their own new contract and a grassroots campaign urging SAG-AFTRA to stand firm at the bargaining table. Over 1,700 actors, including prominent SAG-AFTRA members, signed a letter expressing their willingness to strike and join the Writers Guild on the picket lines if necessary. This collective sentiment emphasizes the pivotal moment the industry finds itself in and the need for significant changes to protect actors' wages, craft, creative freedom, and the power of their union.
As the clock ticks towards the commencement of the strike, the film and television industry braces for the impact of the collective action by SAG-AFTRA. The decision to strike after more than four decades reflects the resolve of actors to address pressing concerns related to compensation, residuals, artificial intelligence, and the challenges posed by industry-wide shifts. The coming days and weeks will test the industry's ability to find common ground and reach a fair agreement that acknowledges the invaluable contributions of actors and ensures a sustainable future for the entertainment world.
