Actors’ Equity Association president, Kate Shindle, is warning stage actors to be cautious and avoid breaking the SAG-AFTRA strike. In a message to members of Equity, Shindle emphasizes the need to stay united and not let the other side divide them. She urges members to not accept any work from AMPTP employers without confirming with SAG-AFTRA first. Shindle highlights the importance of not undermining the strike and betraying fellow workers. She reminds members that the strike encompasses various aspects of work, including auditioning, being on set, post-production, and promotion.
Shindle acknowledges that identifying struck work may be difficult, but it is essential for each member to ensure they are not contributing to strike-breaking activities. She emphasizes that participating in struck work only leads to a race to the bottom. Shindle encourages members to report any strike-breaking activities to SAG-AFTRA promptly.
The president of Equity emphasizes the significance of the current strike, calling it a generational battle for a fair and functioning entertainment industry. She reminds members that while the opposition may have unlimited resources, the workers have the power to achieve their goals. Shindle concludes her message by urging members to support the strike and work towards a fair industry.
It is important to note that the SAG-AFTRA strike will not impact Broadway productions, as SAG-AFTRA members appearing on Broadway operate under Equity contracts. Typically, actors have dual memberships in both unions to navigate their work in different sectors of the industry.