SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher expressed her appreciation for a proposal led by George Clooney to remove caps on union dues. However, she noted that the offer would not comply with the union’s contract with the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers. She clarified that the proposal does not affect the ongoing contract negotiations.
Earlier this week, Clooney and a group of A-list actors met with SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director and chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, and Drescher to propose the removal of dues caps for high-earning members. The goal was to generate more funds for the union over a three-year period.
The A-lister proposal aims to have major stars like Clooney contribute more in dues than the current requirement (currently capped at $1 million in earnings). This would help bridge the gap between the union’s demands for the 2023 negotiations and what the studios and streamers are willing to offer. The proposal also seeks to prioritize residuals for lower-income members before higher-income members.
In a lengthy video posted to Instagram, Drescher thanked influential members for their generous contributions to the union’s foundation. She also acknowledged Clooney for organizing the proposal to remove the dues caps, graciously accepting the gesture.
Drescher explained that the proposal would not work legally due to the union’s federally regulated labor union status. Only employer contributions are allowed for the pension and health funds. Therefore, the benefits the union is fighting for must be included in the current contract.
She clarified that comparing the proposal to the current contract negotiations is like comparing apples and oranges, emphasizing the difference in contexts.
The negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP are currently stalled due to disagreements over the union’s proposal to charge streaming services 57 cents per subscriber. This charge would create a pool of funds to distribute to members whose work is featured on these platforms. The AMPTP argues that this proposal would be economically burdensome, while the performers union believes it is necessary to support members’ wages for streaming projects. The parties also differ on AI regulations for entertainment and minimum rate increases for the next three years.
Drescher addressed the idea of residuals mentioned in the Clooney-led plan. The suggestion was evaluated by experienced union contract staff negotiators and lawyers, who concluded that it would not be feasible given the complex nature of the negotiations. While appreciative of the support, the union and negotiating committee are waiting for the CEOs to return to the table to continue discussions. Drescher emphasized the need for genuine negotiation and not simply rejecting or walking away from the table.
Later in the video, Drescher criticized the studios for walking away from talks, stating that it is both inappropriate and against the law. The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to the AMPTP for comment.
Drescher highlighted the union’s streaming viewership proposal as breaking new ground in compensation for streaming. She emphasized that the union will not back down on this proposition. Despite the CEOs’ reluctance to address it, she emphasized the need for an unprecedented compensation structure to accompany the introduction of streaming, leading to a new normal for the industry.
SAG-AFTRA’s negotiating committee later released a statement echoing Drescher’s points and underscoring the union’s determination to achieve its mission. The committee emphasized that the union has supported the growth of the streaming model with reduced rates and minimal residuals, and it is now time to share in the success they have helped build.
Katie Kilkenny contributed to this report.
