On July 13, 2023, SAG-AFTRA confirmed that its members would certainly go on strike. Very like with the WGA months prior, the group’s discussions with the Alliance of Movement Image and Tv Producers (AMPTP) did not lead to a suitable contract relating to streaming income, AI considerations, and far more. And for the primary time since 1960, each actors and writers had been picketing collectively.
The WGA lastly came to an agreement with the studios in late September (the phrases turned fully ratified earlier this month), however the actors strike remains to be ongoing. As of this weekend, SAG-AFTRA can have been placing for 100 days, one of many longest within the union’s historical past. In remembrance of the milestone, SAG-AFTRA famous the “many sacrifices” from members, strike captains, and people who’ve supported it over the past three months. “We should win this battle,” it wrote. “With unwavering resolve & solidarity, we stay SAG-AFTRA Sturdy.”
On October 19, the union launched a statement to its members highlighting the way it’s been “united in our pursuit of justice, equity, and the worth we carry to the business. […] The AMPTP continues to try to sow division amongst us, misrepresenting our proposals and attempting to control public sentiment. But, whilst they walked away, all of us remained steadfast, refusing to be swayed by something lower than what we rightfully deserve.”
In that assertion, SAG-AFTRA referred to as out studio executives that attempted portray them as “grasping” for wanting 2% of streaming income, after which a mere 1% when the primary quantity wasn’t getting anyplace. However with the AMPTP refusing to counter a lot of its “completely very important proposals” (reminiscent of minimal wage charges), the union referred to as on members to proceed supporting its full proposal package deal. It additionally took the time to acknowledge the latest try made by A-list stars like George Clooney and Emma Stone to get entangled in issues through a $150 million fund to pay for SAG-AFTRA’s dues.
“This beneficiant idea is worthy of consideration,” SAG-AFTRA stated, “however it’s by no means associated to and would don’t have any bearing on this current contract and even as a topic of collective bargaining. It’s, in truth, prohibited by Federal labor regulation. […] The truth that the heads of the networks, streaming firms and studios are open to speaking with them straight is nice. However, the executives shouldn’t for one second assume that they will use the great will of member emissaries to distract us from our mission.”
In latest months, studios have tried to rewrite the strike narrative by hiring a new PR firm, and additional retaliated by canceling a quantity reveals and pushing films initially meant for 2023 into 2024. The battle is way from over—and it might probably simply be getting began for video game actors—however SAG-AFTRA doesn’t have any intent to again down.
“Simply because the WGA weathered the storm, so we could. Let’s draw power from each other and belief that our unity will lead us to the contract we deserve. At some point longer. At some point stronger. So long as it takes.”
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