A SAG strike will cost members $2.5 million a day — or $250 million if the guild matches the WGA strike and stays out 100 days, according to their calculations, reported Variety.
The Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers issued the estimate Tuesday, based on earnings reported to SAG’s pension and health plan. As a result, the estimate doesn’t include the portion of earnings from individual members who take in more than $230,000 annually, since P&H contributions are capped at that figure.
The AMPTP posted the loss estimates on its website at amptp.org. The site continues to include a calculator estimating how much SAG members have lost in salary gains — now at over $35 million — since the contract expired June 30.
In another development, leaders of SAG have told their 120,000 members that they don’t want to strike — even though they’re seeking an authorization from members to do so. SAG made the declaration in a fiery message to members in response to the “open letter” by eight CEOs, accusing the guild of being elitist and unrealistic in its approach to negotiations.
SAG’s expected to announce its specific timeline for sending out the ballots to the 120,000 members, with the date for return probably sometime in late January.
A strike could occur only if the authorization receives 75% support from those voting. SAG’s 71-member national board has final say over whether to call a strike.
