Contract negotiations between SAG-AFTRA — the labor union representing more than 160,000 performers — and the AMPTP began in early June, with SAG-AFTRA’s most recent contract set to expire on June 30. When that date arrived, though, both sides agreed to extend their negotiations for just under two weeks, paving the way for a strike to begin at midnight PT on Wednesday, July 12, if a new deal was not reached.
A SAG-AFTRA strike appears unavoidable after contract talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers failed to reach a new deal ahead of the midnight deadline. The guild’s national board will meet later this morning to officially launch a strike,
Contract negotiations between SAG-AFTRA — the labor union representing more than 160,000 performers — and the AMPTP began in early June, with SAG-AFTRA’s most recent contract set to expire on June 30. When that date arrived, though, both sides agreed to extend their negotiations for just under two weeks, paving the way for a strike to begin at midnight PT on Wednesday, July 12, if a new deal was not reached.
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Among the key issues on the table, according to our sister publication Variety, are “streaming residuals, artificial intelligence, and pension and health contributions.” In June, more than 1,000 actors — including A-list names like Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence — signed a letter to SAG-AFTRA, urging their union to secure a “transformative” deal with studios and streamers and confirming their intention to strike if the deal wasn’t made.
This will mark the first time since 1960 that Hollywood’s actors and writers have been on strike simultaneously. The Writers Guild of America has been on strike since May 2, following months of unsuccessful negotiations with the AMPTP. With both unions now walking off the job at the same time, summertime industry events like San Diego Comic-Con and the Television Critics Association press tour have been upended, as has the 2023 fall TV season.
SAG-AFTRA Strike Imminent as Talks Conclude With No Deal
In a statement, the union said that the negotiating committee had voted unanimously to recommend a strike.
The union’s national board is expected to meet Thursday morning to call a strike, which would immediately halt scripted film and TV production by the companies represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA, said in a statement that the AMPTP’s responses to its key issues were “insulting and disrespectful.”
“SAG-AFTRA negotiated in good faith and was eager to reach a deal that sufficiently addressed performer needs, but the AMPTP’s responses to the union’s most important proposals have been insulting and disrespectful of our massive contributions to this industry,” Drescher said. “The companies have refused to meaningfully engage on some topics and on others completely stonewalled us. Until they do negotiate in good faith, we cannot begin to reach a deal.”
Production has already been dramatically curtailed due to the Writers Guild of America strike, which began on May 2.
SAG-AFTRA, which represents 160,000 performers, has not gone on strike against the film and TV companies since 1980. The last time the actors and writers were on strike simultaneously was 1960.
The AMPTP said in a statement that it was disappointed in the outcome of the talks. . ."
READ MORE >> Variety
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