The entertainment industry is facing a significant disruption as the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) join forces in a strike. The decision comes after failed contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).During a press conference on Thursday, SAG President Fran Drescher and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator of SAG-AFTRA, announced the unanimous vote to initiate the strike.
Crabtree-Ireland explained that the studios had left them with no choice but to take this action.The strike is set to commence at midnight tonight. Drescher emphasized the significant impact of streaming, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence on the industry’s business model. She declared, “This is a momentous event, and we have deliberated heavily on it. There comes a time when we must refuse to accept the status quo.”She further asserted, “The time for playing games is over… We demand respect. We contribute to the industry’s success, and it is essential that you acknowledge and appreciate that.” Earlier, SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP had agreed to extend existing contracts by 12 days in order to continue negotiations, but no comments were made to the media during this period.In response to the strike, the AMPTP expressed disappointment, emphasizing that it was the union’s decision to walk away from negotiations. They highlighted their offer, which included substantial pay and residual increases, improved pension and health contributions, audition protections, shortened series option periods, and an innovative proposal regarding actors’ digital likenesses.
The AMPTP further stated, “SAG-AFTRA’s choice to strike will exacerbate the financial hardships faced by thousands of industry workers who depend on it for their livelihood. SAG-AFTRA has 160,000 members, and the Writers Guild of America consists of over 11,000 members.” On Tuesday, just hours before the deadline, the union agreed to the AMPTP’s request for federal mediation, though they accused the AMPTP of leaking this information to the press before informing the union’s leadership.In response, SAG released a statement asserting that they would not be manipulated into accepting an extension, given the ample time the companies had for fair negotiations.
Previously, SAG-AFTRA members had voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike on June 5, but the strike was not immediately called for at that time.Drescher expressed solidarity, stating, “Together, we stand united and determined to negotiate a new contract that acknowledges our invaluable contributions to this remarkable industry. We must adapt to the evolving digital and streaming landscape and address all our concerns regarding protections and benefits.”
According to reports, more than 300 actors signed a letter addressed to the leadership and negotiating committee of SAG-AFTRA expressing concern that the union’s members were prepared to make sacrifices that the leadership was not. This letter emerged as the deadline for new contracts with the AMPTP loomed.
The strike has halted Hollywood productions as the Screen Actors Guild, comprised of SAG and AFTRA, takes to the picket lines. This development coincides with the ongoing strike by the Writers Guild of America, adding to the disruption in the industry. The future of negotiations and the impact on the entertainment landscape remain uncertain as both sides hold firm in their positions.
