SAG-AFTRA Takes Time to Consider Studios’ “Last, Best and Final” Offer
SAG-AFTRA, the labor union representing actors, may take an additional day to respond to the studios’ “last, best and final” offer as the union’s negotiating committee continues to deliberate their next move. The studios recently spoke with union leadership to make it clear that they are not willing to make any further concessions.
Following the meeting, some members of the SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee expressed their dissatisfaction with the studios’ offer. At least four members retweeted a post urging A-list actors to pressure the studio heads for better terms. The post, written by Chelsea Schwartz, a SAG-AFTRA strike captain, called on actors to call the studio heads, voice their demands on social media, and help end the strike.
The response from SAG-AFTRA is eagerly anticipated in Hollywood, as many hope to return to work soon after a six-month labor stoppage. During a brief Zoom meeting on Saturday, SAG-AFTRA leaders informed the studios that they would need more time to analyze and discuss the offer before giving their response. It remains unclear when the union will respond, but some on the studio side hope for a response on Sunday.
However, it seems that the union’s response will have to wait until Monday, as they continue to internally discuss the proposal. The studios’ offer includes a success-based bonus structure in streaming, with actors receiving double their typical residual if they appear in a highly-watched show on a streaming platform. While the studios have improved the bonus as negotiations progressed, they have not conceded to the union’s demand for a cut of total streaming revenue.
Additionally, the studios have offered protections against artificial intelligence and “historic” wage increases. The union, however, is holding out for strong protections against the use of AI to create “digital doubles,” particularly concerned for background actors who could be replaced by AI technology.
By using the term “last, best and final,” the studios are indicating that there will be no further negotiations and that the offer on the table is a take-it-or-leave-it proposition. Nevertheless, the union can push back on elements they disapprove of and always has the option to remain on strike.
As the strike enters its 115th day, the industry eagerly awaits the union’s response, which will ultimately determine the future of the ongoing labor dispute.