On July 13, 2023, SAG-AFTRA confirmed that its members would certainly go on strike. Very similar to with the WGA months prior, the group’s discussions with the Alliance of Movement Image and Tv Producers (AMPTP) did not lead to an appropriate contract relating to streaming income, AI considerations, and way more. And for the primary time since 1960, each actors and writers have been picketing collectively.
The WGA lastly came to an agreement with the studios in late September (the phrases grew to become fully ratified earlier this month), however the actors strike remains to be ongoing. As of this weekend, SAG-AFTRA may have been hanging for 100 days, one of many longest within the union’s historical past. In remembrance of the milestone, SAG-AFTRA famous the “many sacrifices” from members, strike captains, and those that’ve supported it during the last three months. “We should win this struggle,” it wrote. “With unwavering resolve & solidarity, we stay SAG-AFTRA Robust.”
On October 19, the union launched a statement to its members highlighting the way it’s been “united in our pursuit of justice, equity, and the worth we convey to the trade. […] The AMPTP continues to aim to sow division amongst us, misrepresenting our proposals and making an attempt to govern public sentiment. But, whilst they walked away, all of us remained steadfast, refusing to be swayed by something lower than what we rightfully deserve.”
In that assertion, SAG-AFTRA referred to as out studio executives that attempted portray them as “grasping” for wanting 2% of streaming income, after which a mere 1% when the primary quantity wasn’t getting wherever. However with the AMPTP refusing to counter a lot of its “completely very important proposals” (reminiscent of minimal wage charges), the union referred to as on members to proceed supporting its full proposal package deal. It additionally took the time to acknowledge the latest try made by A-list stars like George Clooney and Emma Stone to become involved in issues by way of a $150 million fund to pay for SAG-AFTRA’s dues.
“This beneficiant idea is worthy of consideration,” SAG-AFTRA mentioned, “however it’s by no means associated to and would haven’t any bearing on this current contract and even as a topic of collective bargaining. It’s, in actual fact, prohibited by Federal labor legislation. […] The truth that the heads of the networks, streaming corporations and studios are open to speaking with them straight is nice. However, the executives shouldn’t for one second suppose that they will use the great will of member emissaries to distract us from our mission.”
In latest months, studios have tried to rewrite the strike narrative by hiring a new PR firm, and additional retaliated by canceling a quantity reveals and pushing films initially meant for 2023 into 2024. The struggle is way from over—and it may doubtlessly simply be getting began for video game actors—however SAG-AFTRA doesn’t have any intent to again down.
“Simply because the WGA weathered the storm, so we could. Let’s draw energy from each other and belief that our unity will lead us to the contract we deserve. Sooner or later longer. Sooner or later stronger. So long as it takes.”
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