SAG-AFTRA Negotiating Committee Votes Unanimously to Recommend Strike, Potentially Paralyzing Hollywood Productions
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) negotiating committee has unanimously voted to recommend a strike, a move that could bring Hollywood productions to a grinding halt. This decision comes as the major unions in Hollywood issued a joint statement expressing their unwavering support and solidarity with SAG-AFTRA, including the Writers Guild of America (WGA), who have been on strike for over two months with no progress in sight.
According to the joint statement, the unions are advocating for fair treatment and recognition of every worker in Hollywood, both on-screen and off. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Teamsters, Hollywood Basic Crafts, the Directors Guild of America (DGA), and the Writers Guilds of America East and West emphasized the importance of workers across all crafts and departments in the industry standing together to prevent mega-corporations from eroding the hard-fought conditions achieved over the decades.
The current SAG-AFTRA contract expired at 11:59 p.m. PT on Wednesday. Originally set to expire on June 30, the contract was extended after SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) reached an agreement. However, since a deal was not reached between the groups, a strike now seems increasingly likely. In June, 98% of SAG-AFTRA members voted to authorize a strike if an agreement could not be reached.
SAG-AFTRA stated that they have not been distracted by the expiration of the agreement and remain committed to negotiating in good faith for a fair and just deal. However, they expressed their lack of confidence in the employers’ intentions to bargain towards an agreement.
Fran Drescher, president and chief negotiator of SAG-AFTRA, highlighted the challenges posed by the rise of the streaming ecosystem and the threat of artificial intelligence to creative professions. She stressed the importance of protecting actors and performers from exploitation and eroding compensation.
The AMPTP issued a separate statement, expressing deep disappointment in SAG-AFTRA’s decision to walk away from negotiations. The AMPTP claimed that they had offered historic pay and residual increases, higher caps on pension and health contributions, audition protections, shortened series option periods, and a groundbreaking AI proposal to protect actors’ digital likenesses. They criticized SAG-AFTRA for choosing to deepen the financial hardship for thousands who depend on the industry for their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the ongoing writers’ strike, which began in May, continues to take a toll on California’s economy, costing an estimated $30 million per day. Writers are demanding fair compensation as the shift to streaming has altered the dynamics of show production and monetization.
In a pre-strike protest outside Netflix offices, actors spoke to ABC News about their financial struggles and inadequate contracts that have failed to keep pace with inflation. They raised concerns about streaming residuals, the impact of AI technology, and the need for better pay.
John Jared, a SAG-AFTRA member, emphasized that most actors do not make millions of dollars and are often struggling to meet basic needs such as food and rent.
As the negotiations with federal mediators loom, the fate of Hollywood productions hangs in the balance, with both sides hoping to reach an agreement that respects the value and contributions of workers in the industry.