TheHollywood actors strikewill continue after recent contract negotiations have failed to pan out.
On Wednesday evening, SAG-AFTRA — the union that comprises the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists —announced in a release, “It is with profound disappointment that we report the industry CEOs have walked away from the bargaining table after refusing to counter our latest offer,” dashing any hope for an imminent resolution following the recentend of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strikeafter 148 days.
“We have negotiated with them in good faith, despite the fact that last week they presented an offer that was, shockingly, worth less than they proposed before the strike began,” the negotiating committee wrote of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
Intheir own release, the AMPTP said, “After meaningful conversations, it is clear that the gap between the AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA is too great, and conversations are no longer moving us in a productive direction.”
Michael Tullberg/Getty
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The AMPTP went on to summarize items they claim to have offered SAG-AFTRA, including “the highest percentage increase in minimums in 35 years,” protections for performersagainst AI and digital replicaswithout written consent and “substantial increases in pension and health contribution caps.”
“They have done the same with A.I., claiming to protect performer consent, but continuing to demand ‘consent’ on the first day of employment for use of a performer’s digital replica for an entire cinematic universe (or any franchise project),” they added.
“The companies are using the same failed strategy they tried to inflict on the WGA – putting out misleading information in an attempt to fool our members into abandoning our solidarity and putting pressure on our negotiators,” SAG-AFTRA claimed. “But, just like the writers, our members are smarter than that and will not be fooled.”
Fran Drescher and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland speaking about SAG-AFTRA’s decision to strike on July 13, 2023, in Los Angeles.CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty
CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty
On July 13, SAG PresidentFran Drescherand Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator of SAG-AFTRA, sharedthe news of an impending strikeat a press conference, saying the vote was “unanimous.” Crabtree-Ireland said the studios “left us with no alternative” than to strike.
TheNannyactress added, “The jig is up … We demand respect. You share the wealth, because you cannot exist without us.”
Celebrities have come out in drovesto picket in support of the strike, which began at midnight on July 14, and several have already posted statements on social media reflecting on the recent failed negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP.
“During the years of my work in film and television, the need for studios and networks to maintain their profit margins at the expense of creative unions and crafts has been ongoing. However, now is a true crossroads,“Alec Baldwinwrote on Instagram early Thursday morning.
Richard Schiff, Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, Dulé Hill, Allison Janney and Frances Fisher rally outside Walt Disney Studios on August 22, 2023, in Burbank, California.David Livingston/Getty Images
David Livingston/Getty Images
“The AI controversy will be a crippling factor regarding the integrity and autonomy of our work,” he added, going on the accuse AMPTP members of being “incapable of negotiating in good faithbecause they truly don’t care. They would get rid of every actor and writer, eventually, if they could. All we have is our resolve.”
Sharingthe union’s statementto her Instagram Story,Jen Lilleywrote, “Actors know how to deal with rejection. It’s in our job description! The AMPTP must have forgotten that.”
“Let’s go@sagaftra!#unitedwestand#sagaftrastrong,” she concluded.
The WGAannounced the end of their strikeon Sept. 26. Terms of the agreement include a 5% minimum pay increase once the contract is complete. Additional bumps are set for 2024 and 2025.
Meanwhile, SAG-AFTRA members are seeking better compensation and benefit plans, as the rise of streaming services and complications resulting from the streaming model have contributed to a decline in wages and residuals. They also are looking for protections against the impact of AI on their work.
source: people.com
