Hollywood Grinds to a Halt as Actors Unite with Writers in Strike

For the first time since 1980, actors in the film and television industry are going on strike. This is also the first time in over six decades that two major Hollywood unions are striking simultaneously. Fran Drescher, president of SAG-AFTRA and former star of The Nanny, delivered a passionate speech denouncing employers for prioritizing Wall Street and greed over the hardworking individuals who make the industry thrive. Union leaders responded with applause, showing solidarity. Drescher criticized the employers for being on the wrong side of history and neglecting the contributions of essential workers.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers expressed their disappointment in the breakdown of negotiations. They released a statement placing the blame on the union, stating that the decision to strike was not theirs. The producers highlighted their offer of historic pay and residual increases, higher caps on pension and health contributions, audition protections, shortened series option periods, and a groundbreaking AI proposal that safeguards actors’ digital likenesses. The negotiations involve discussions on base and residual pay, benefits, and the potential threat of unregulated use of artificial intelligence in the industry. Actors argue that their pay has been undermined by inflation and the rise of streaming platforms. The future of the industry hangs in the balance. (Read more actors strike stories.)