Disney CEO Bob Iger Initiates Return to Negotiations in SAG-AFTRA Strike

Disney CEO Bob Iger has made a call to SAG-AFTRA national executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, initiating the return to negotiations between the union and Hollywood studios after more than 100 days of strike action. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) expressed their desire to resume bargaining and reach a new three-year contract. AMPTP president Carol Lombardini followed up with her own call to Crabtree-Ireland, prompting the union to issue a joint press release with the AMPTP announcing the return to negotiations and adjourning their national convention early so that negotiations can commence. The AMPTP is expected to present a new package of proposals when the two parties reconvene on Tuesday. The same four Hollywood leaders who attended the previous negotiations will be returning for the continuation of talks. A group of A-list actors, including Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, and George Clooney, met with union leaders to discuss getting back to the table and finding a resolution. Before the breakdown in talks, the CEOs were taken aback by SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher’s negotiating style, which included bringing a doll and saying inspirational quotes. Drescher defended her approach, stating that she doesn’t need to emulate male energy to be an effective leader. The actors proposed a new model for streaming residuals during the Zoom meetings, with Affleck suggesting that eliminating the dues cap on high-earning actors could support the model. However, Drescher clarified that only employer contributions can go into the pension and health funds, and any benefits negotiated must come from the contract. Despite concerns and frustrations, the unity and strength shown by SAG-AFTRA members ultimately led to the resumption of negotiations. The question now is what the new contract language will look like and how SAG-AFTRA negotiators will respond. The proposal to charge streaming platforms a fee on every global subscriber remains a sticking point, with Drescher arguing that the unprecedented compensation structure is necessary for the new streaming business model. Industry insiders are hopeful that a deal will be reached that will benefit the union’s membership and allow the industry to resume normal operations.