Members of the SAG-AFTRA actors union will initiate picketing outside of studios in the Los Angeles area on Friday. This comes after the union’s National Board voted unanimously to issue a strike order. Union President Fran Drescher criticized the major studios as a “very greedy entity,” while the studios’ bargaining arm countered by stating that they had offered significant benefit boosts.
The strike order went into effect at midnight on Thursday, and SAG-AFTRA strikers will join picket lines with the Writers Guild of America, who have been on strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers for the past 11 weeks.
The AMPTP represents studios, networks, and streaming services, while the actors union represents approximately 160,000 performers.
The strike announcement on Thursday was made jointly by Drescher and union National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, following the expiration of the union’s contract with the AMPTP and the breakdown of talks.
Drescher expressed sadness and frustration at the current situation, describing the major studios as greedy and shocked by their treatment of the union. She emphasized the vast differences between the two sides and criticized the studios for claiming financial difficulties while providing huge sums of money to CEOs.
Furthermore, Drescher emphasized the importance of standing up against marginalization, stating that it was necessary to say no to the unfair treatment they were experiencing.
In regard to the negotiations, Drescher described the offerings as insulting and highlighted the need for the contract to adapt to the evolving business model.
Following the strike announcement, the AMPTP expressed disappointment and stated that studios cannot operate without the performers who bring their shows and films to life. They emphasized their willingness to negotiate a new contract and highlighted the benefits they had offered, including pay and residual increases, improved pension and health contributions, audition protections, shortened series option periods, and a groundbreaking AI proposal.
This is the first time since 1960 that both SAG-AFTRA and the WGA have simultaneously gone on strike in Hollywood. The WGA expressed solidarity with SAG-AFTRA and pledged to support them in their pursuit of a fair contract.
The recent developments occurred after last-minute activity and a request for federal mediation by the AMPTP, which SAG-AFTRA agreed to. However, the union refused to extend the negotiating deadline.
The union criticized a report suggesting that Hollywood heavyweights had initiated the idea of federal mediation, claiming that it was published before negotiators were informed of the request.
A separate statement from Disney CEO Bob Iger, who described the strikers’ expectations as unrealistic, caused additional controversy.
Previously, SAG-AFTRA’s contract was extended past its initial June 30 expiration date to allow for ongoing negotiations. The actors’ union is advocating for revised residual formulas for streaming content and protections against the use of artificial intelligence in film and TV production.
The last time SAG-AFTRA went on strike was in 1980, while the WGA went on strike for 100 days beginning in 2007.
The 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, which was ratified by DGA members on June 24. The deal includes salary increases and increased residuals for streaming content.
Overall, the situation in Hollywood remains tense as two major unions stand together in their fight for fair contracts and better treatment in the industry.
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