As the Writers Guild of America (WGA) nears a potential resolution with the studios and streamers, SAG-AFTRA, a union representing 160,000 actors, is gearing up for its own negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
With the WGA strike possibly coming to an end, SAG-AFTRA leaders are planning meetings with the AMPTP in the coming days, marking a significant development in Hollywood’s ongoing labor struggles. This is according to Deadline.
The strike season kicked off when SAG-AFTRA members joined the WGA in a joint strike on July 14. This historic joint strike, the first of its kind since the 1960s, saw both writers and actors picketing together in solidarity. While the WGA has temporarily suspended its picketing, pending the outcome of their tentative agreement vote, SAG-AFTRA members are still on strike.
WGA Leadership is expected to vote today on whether to send their tentative agreement to the general membership for ratification. If the vote passes, it could mark the end of the WGA strike. However, the situation remains fluid, and it’s unclear when negotiations will truly begin with the AMPTP.
SAG-AFTRA has voiced concerns related to artificial intelligence (AI), residuals, data transparency, and other issues. Fran Drescher, the union’s president, has been vocal in her criticism of the AMPTP, decrying what she calls a “maniacal corporate culture for greed.” The union’s National Executive Director, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, has also been active in advocating for their members’ interests.
In addition to their ongoing strike in solidarity with the WGA, SAG-AFTRA members recently voted unanimously to authorize a strike against the video game industry. Their concerns include exploitative uses of AI and stagnant wages. Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement that provides fair compensation, safety measures, and dignity for their talented performers.
As Hollywood’s labor landscape continues to evolve, the outcome of negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP will have significant implications for the entertainment industry and its workforce.
ALSO READ: With the WGA strike close to an end when will One Chicago return?
