SAG-AFTRA, the labor union representing actors, is taking measures to prepare for a possible strike next week. In a social media post on Friday, the guild stated that they are ready if a strike becomes necessary. This would mark the first strike by actors in the film and TV industry since 1980 when SAG and AFTRA merged and went on strike for more than three months to establish contract terms for pay-TV and videocassettes.
Survey Sent to Members to Gauge Volunteer Interest
SAG-AFTRA has sent out a survey to its members this week to determine their willingness to volunteer in the event of a strike. The guild is actively preparing for a potential strike in the TV, theatrical, and streaming sectors. The deadline for SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to reach a deal is Wednesday. To allow further negotiations, they extended their current contract, originally set to expire on June 30, until July 12.
Key Bargaining Issues and Concerns
Before the strike authorization vote, SAG-AFTRA outlined several key bargaining issues. The guild is advocating for economic fairness, better residuals, regulation of artificial intelligence (AI), and addressing the challenges posed by the industry-wide shift to self-taping.
Regarding economic fairness, the guild expressed concerns about outdated contract terms and the changing landscape of the media business. They highlighted shorter season orders and longer hiatuses between seasons, which make it increasingly difficult for actors to maintain a middle-class lifestyle. In contrast, the studios are generating significant profits, as evident from the generous compensation of corporate executives. SAG-AFTRA is determined to ensure its members can earn a sustainable living by demanding increased compensation, strengthening the funding of their Health, Retirement, and Pension Plans, and securing a fair share of the economic value created by their performances.
Residuals, another key issue, have become inadequate in reflecting the economic value of SAG-AFTRA content being monetized globally. The guild emphasized the importance of ensuring that residual payments accurately represent the value of actors’ contributions and serve as a substantial source of income for performers.
The advent of AI poses a threat to the work of SAG-AFTRA members, as it has the ability to mimic their voices, likenesses, and performances. The guild is advocating for agreements that establish acceptable uses of AI, protect against misuse, and guarantee consent and fair compensation for the use of actors’ work in training AI systems and creating new performances. SAG-AFTRA criticized the companies’ lack of seriousness in recognizing the basic rights of actors to their own voices and likenesses in their public statements and policy work.
SAG-AFTRA is taking proactive steps to prepare for a possible strike in the film and TV industry. With the support of its members, the guild aims to address key bargaining issues related to economic fairness, residuals, and AI regulation. As the deadline for reaching a deal approaches, the outcome of negotiations will determine whether a strike becomes a reality.
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