Exciting news in the entertainment industry! SAG-AFTRA is set to begin negotiations for a new contract, and they’re not letting the tentative deal made by the Directors Guild and the studios affect their bargaining strategy. In fact, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland made it clear that their strategy has never relied on the outcome of any other union’s negotiations.
Meanwhile, the Writers Guild is continuing their month-long strike, with their bargaining positions remaining the same as when the strike began on May 2. SAG-AFTRA members are currently voting on whether to give their National Board the authority to call a strike if negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers fail to reach an acceptable deal by June 30.
SAG-AFTRA’s goal in this negotiation is to ensure their members working in film, television, and streaming/new media can continue to earn a professional living with a contract that honors their contributions. They’re seeking a contract that will increase contributions to their benefit plans and protect members from erosion of income due to inflation and reduced residuals, unregulated use of generative AI, and demanding self-taped auditions.
As for the new DGA deal, Crabtree-Ireland wrote that they haven’t had the opportunity to review the details yet, so it would be premature to express any opinion from SAG-AFTRA’s perspective. However, they will remain in close communication with their sister unions, especially the WGA and the DGA, and seek to capitalize on the insights gained from their bargaining process and progress made on common issues.
The DGA deal with the AMPTP is making major breakthroughs in addressing the international growth of the entertainment industry and making significant gains across key economic and creative rights. It includes groundbreaking gains in wages and benefits, a 76% increase in global streaming residuals, and language confirming that generative artificial intelligence cannot replace the duties performed by members. Stay tuned for more updates on these negotiations!
