Studios Accused of Seeking to Boost Profits and Executive Pay as Actors’ Strike Looms, Says SAG-AFTRA

Get ready for some hard bargaining as SAG-AFTRA gears up for contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on June 7. The union has warned members that the AMPTP may propose cost-cutting measures that could hurt members and benefit corporate profits and executive compensation. Meanwhile, the Writers Guild of America is in the midst of a strike, and the Directors Guild of America has already begun its contract talks with the AMPTP. SAG-AFTRA’s National Board has voted unanimously to recommend a strike authorization vote if a fair deal can’t be reached by June 30. The union is urging members to vote “yes” for strike authorization, which requires the approval of 75% of voting members. The union’s key issues include economic fairness, residuals, regulating the use of artificial intelligence, and alleviating the burdens of the industry-wide shift to self-taping. A “yes” vote is a strong show of solidarity with fellow working actors and gives the National Board the ability to declare a strike if necessary. Remember, a strike authorization vote doesn’t guarantee a strike will occur, but it’s a tool to help the negotiating team secure the best deal possible. A “no” vote tells management that they don’t have to make a fair deal, and it could hurt members in the long run. The upcoming negotiations will determine whether members can continue earning a professional living doing the job they love. Without transformative change in the TV/Theatrical contracts, it will soon be unsustainable to pursue a career working under these conditions.