The SAG-AFTRA actors strike is set to begin at midnight on Thursday evening, as the union’s National Board unanimously voted to issue a strike order. SAG-AFTRA members will join the Writers Guild of America on the picket lines outside studios Friday morning. The strike comes after the union’s contract with the AMPTP expired and talks broke down.
During a news conference at SAG-AFTRA headquarters, union President Fran Drescher expressed anger over the situation, calling the AMPTP a “very greedy entity” and expressing shock at their treatment of SAG-AFTRA. Drescher stated that the union had to take a stand and refuse to accept the mistreatment.
Drescher criticized the negotiations, stating that there was nothing substantial offered by the AMPTP. She also emphasized the need for the contract to adapt to the changing business model.
In response to the strike announcement, the AMPTP released a statement expressing disappointment and highlighting the benefits they offered in the negotiations, including historic pay and residual increases, improved pension and health contributions, audition protections, and an AI proposal.
This double-barreled strike by SAG-AFTRA and WGA is the first time since 1960 that both unions have simultaneously gone on strike in Hollywood.
The WGA expressed solidarity with SAG-AFTRA and pledged their full support for the strike. They criticized the AMPTP’s unwillingness to meet their demands during negotiations.
After a flurry of activity, including a request for federal mediation, SAG-AFTRA refused to extend their existing labor contract past the negotiating deadline.
The union also criticized a report that had been published about the request for mediation, stating that it was released before their negotiators were informed.
SAG-AFTRA’s contract was initially scheduled to expire on June 30 but was extended for ongoing negotiations. The union represents around 160,000 performers.
Issues at the forefront of the strike include revised residual formulas for streaming content and protections against the use of artificial intelligence in film and TV production.
The last time the actors union went on strike was in 1980, while the WGA went on strike for 100 days in 2007.
Negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP began on June 7. The AMPTP has already reached a three-year contract deal with the Directors Guild of America.
The DGA-AMPTP deal includes a salary increase for directors and increased residuals for streaming content, among other benefits.
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