In a press conference held today, the SAG-AFTRA National Board has officially ordered a strike set to commence at midnight. This announcement follows the unsuccessful negotiation between the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) for a new three-year contract. SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator, released a statement confirming that the union’s National Board has unanimously voted for a strike order, which will take effect later tonight.
The AMPTP provided a summary of their proposed terms for SAG-AFTRA, highlighting several key points. These include a significant increase in minimums, high budget SVOD foreign residuals, pension and health contribution caps, performer consent for digital likeness usage, increased salaries for major role performers, limitations on self-tape requests, fixed residuals for Stunt Coordinators, shortened option periods for series regulars, and on-camera rates for rehearsal days.
In other news, the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and AMPTP have successfully ratified their tentative three-year deal, with 87% of voting members in favor. The new agreement offers extensive advancements in wages, global streaming residuals, safety, diversity, and creative rights. It also establishes minimum terms and conditions for non-dramatic programs made for SVOD and high-budget dramatic programs made for AVOD. Additionally, the deal reaffirms that generative AI cannot replace the work performed by union members.
SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP have been engaged in negotiations for the past 10 days, keeping details confidential due to their sensitive nature. SAG-AFTRA National President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland provided a positive update on the progress made, expressing optimism in reaching a fair deal that respects the contributions of union members. The negotiations have a deadline of June 30th, with the possibility of a strike suspension if fruitful discussions continue.
Fran Drescher has gathered support from both Union Political Parties as she seeks re-election to the national and Los Angeles local SAG-AFTRA boards. This joint endorsement signals the parties’ approval of Drescher’s leadership and their desire for favorable outcomes in any deals with AMPTP. However, some high-profile actors, including Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, have voiced concerns in a signed letter to SAG-AFTRA, emphasizing the need for significant improvements in wages, creative freedom, and the union’s strength.
There have been discussions regarding the possibility of extending contract talks between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP beyond the initial deadline. This move comes as more actors join the letter demanding that the union remains steadfast in addressing their key demands. Negotiations have previously been extended in 2014 and 2017.
Fran Drescher provided an update on the negotiations during an appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America. She reiterated the union’s readiness to strike if necessary and the overwhelming support from union members for such action. Drescher acknowledged the challenges posed by the digital age and streaming platforms, emphasizing the need to stand firm and advocate for the members’ contributions to the industry.
SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP have agreed to extend their negotiations through July 12th, allowing more time for a resolution. Further updates will be provided as negotiations progress.
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