SAG-AFTRA members resumed their strike against Hollywood studios on Monday, with union president Fran Drescher and other industry leaders calling for immediate negotiations to resume.
Drescher criticized the major studios for suspending contract talks with striking actors and urged a return to negotiations. This sentiment was echoed in a joint statement issued by various Hollywood unions, including the Writers Guild of America, the Directors Guild of America, and the Teamsters.
The statement came after negotiations broke down, with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) stating that the gap between the two parties was too significant. Despite this setback, the unions showed solidarity with SAG-AFTRA.
The unions emphasized the need for a fair contract that addresses actors’ unique priorities and criticized the studios for replicating terms negotiated with other unions. Drescher expressed shock at the breakdown in talks and called it disrespectful.
The two sides have met multiple times since the strike began on July 14, but the studios have refused to counter the union’s latest offer. SAG-AFTRA’s demands include wage increases, protections against the use of AI on actor images, improvements in compensation for streaming programs, and enhancements in health and retirement benefits.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos revealed that the negotiations fell apart over the union’s proposal to add a “levy” on every streaming service subscriber. The studios favored a success-based bonus revenue model similar to what the Writers Guild of America accepted. However, the union rejected this and proposed a levy on subscribers, which the studios found unreasonable.
The Writers Guild of America recently ended their strike, reaching a ratified agreement with the studios. SAG-AFTRA members are determined to fight for their priorities and ensure fair treatment in the industry.
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