UK Actors Union Equity Declares Support for SAG-AFTRA Strike
In an exclusive interview with Deadline, the leader of UK actors union Equity, Paul Fleming, has announced their unwavering support for the ongoing strike by SAG-AFTRA members in the United States. Fleming stated, “We are not going to have the UK used as a backdoor to undermine SAG-AFTRA’s dispute.” This declaration comes just before Equity’s first rallies in support of the US actors’ cause.
While there has been speculation about international actors benefiting from the strike, with more opportunities for work outside the US, Equity has made it clear that they fully support SAG’s refusal to issue new Global Rule One addenda during the strike. Fleming emphasized that the impact of “access to American talent drying up” affects the global industry as a whole.
Fleming assured that Equity would do everything legally possible to support the strike, stating, “We’re not going to have the UK used as a backdoor to undermine their dispute.” However, the UK’s anti-union laws mean that SAG members working under an Equity contract are obligated to continue working, as they have no legal protection if they join the strike. While Fleming described these laws as “phenomenally draconian,” he confirmed that he was unaware of any British actors refusing to work in solidarity.
Equity’s support for the strike extends beyond just standing in solidarity with their US counterparts. As the union’s TV and film contract with UK producer trade body Pact and the broadcasters is nearing its end, negotiations for a new contract will begin soon. Fleming revealed that Equity’s demands for the new contract are “broadly identical” to those of SAG, including a 15% pay rise, reporting provisions for secondary payments, and provisions on AI.
Fleming acknowledged the significant impact the ongoing strike will have on future negotiations in the UK, saying, “So this dispute has a massive impact on what the [British] producers will be looking to do over the coming year.” To ensure alignment with SAG, Fleming has been in regular contact with SAG officials, speaking once every couple of days before the strike and now speaking on a daily basis.
Despite being independent unions, Equity and SAG want to ensure they are not being told different things by producers during negotiations. Fleming stated, “Our agreements are as strong as SAG’s and we expect nothing less. SAG is undeniably the largest and most influential entertainment union in the world, but we are undeniably the second. Our agreements form the basis of the vast majority of content that’s filmed in Europe as well as the UK.”
The negotiations will also focus on the impact of AI on TV and film. Last September, SAG and Equity held a global meeting in London where they exchanged ideas on the topic. Equity has since developed an AI toolkit that aims to protect performers from having their performances cloned. Fleming acknowledged that SAG is ahead in terms of detail during these discussions.
Equity will demonstrate their support for the strike with dual rallies in London and Manchester, featuring appearances from high-profile actors such as Rob Delaney and Simon Pegg, as well as Equity officials and Labour politician John McDonnell. The rallies will commence in three hours’ time.