EXCLUSIVE: SAG-AFTRA Demands Venue Change for Resuming Negotiations with AMPTP
When negotiations between the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) resume on Monday, it will not be at the AMPTP’s offices in Sherman Oaks, CA. SAG-AFTRA officials have insisted on a venue change, citing their dissatisfaction with the setup at the AMPTP’s location, which has historically been the site for negotiations with all guilds and unions.
The change in location comes after the AMPTP reached a tentative agreement with the Writers Guild, bringing an end to the WGA’s strike that lasted 148 days. The negotiations between the studio reps and the Writers Guild took place at the AMPTP headquarters. However, it remains unknown where the SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP negotiations will take place on Monday.
SAG-AFTRA went on strike on July 14, two weeks after their contract expired on June 30. The union had approved a strike authorization vote, with an overwhelming 98% margin, on June 5. This marks the first strike by actors against the film and TV industry since 1980.
The resumption of negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP will be closely watched by industry insiders, as the outcome will have a significant impact on actors’ working conditions and compensation. Both parties will have to find common ground to ensure the smooth continuation of TV and film production. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of these crucial negotiations.