SAG-AFTRA Expected to Hold Weekend Bargaining Sessions to End Strike
After 106 days of strike, negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and major studios are set to continue over the weekend in an effort to reach a deal and end the ongoing conflict. While the sessions may be held virtually instead of in-person, both sides are determined to find a resolution.
The union expressed gratitude to its members for their support and solidarity throughout the strike in an email sent on Friday night. The previous week saw meetings between the two parties at SAG-AFTRA headquarters. However, on Friday, four studio CEOs, including David Zaslav of Warner Bros. Discovery and Bob Iger of Disney, were absent from the negotiation table.
SAG-AFTRA chose not to comment on the developments, emphasizing their dedication to negotiating a fair agreement. The studios presented a new proposal on Tuesday, which was countered by the actors union on Thursday. Although progress has been made, the studios remain frustrated with SAG-AFTRA’s bargaining position.
Despite the ongoing stalemate, there is a glimmer of hope in the industry. According to Michael Akins, the business agent of IATSE Local 479 in Georgia, members should be prepared to return to work sometime in November. Akins stated in an email that while no concrete information has been received from any studios, it is evident that the industry shutdown is nearing its end. Production offices may reopen as early as next week.
However, the actors union still has a long list of demands, which could potentially hinder the progress towards resolving the strike. Among their requests are a new structure for streaming residuals, as well as protections regarding the use of artificial intelligence to create “digital doubles.” The studios have expressed reluctance to grant the union a veto over AI usage.
The CEOs have cautioned that time is running out to save the 2023-24 broadcast season and fear the strike’s impact on the summer movie season. Disney recently announced the delay of its live-action “Snow White” film, originally set to debut in March.
In the midst of the ongoing strike, Hollywood unions, including IATSE and the Teamsters, held a food drive to support below-the-line workers who have been unemployed for almost a year. Additionally, thousands of SAG-AFTRA members signed an open letter expressing their support for the union’s negotiating committee, reaffirming their commitment to a fair deal. The letter was in response to efforts by A-list actors such as George Clooney and Ben Affleck to propose an alternative solution.
While the strike continues, both sides remain hopeful that the bargaining sessions over the weekend will bring them closer to an agreement and help bring an end to the lengthy and impactful strike.