Exciting news for SAG-AFTRA members! The guild’s contract negotiations have been described as “extremely productive” and there’s a sense of optimism that a fair deal can be reached with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. In a video posted on the guild’s YouTube channel, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland gave their first update on the negotiations since bargaining began on June 7. This comes just two days after the guild’s members voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike if an acceptable deal isn’t reached by the end of the month when the current contract expires.
Although Drescher and Crabtree-Ireland couldn’t provide too many details due to the confidential nature of the negotiations, they did assure members that the talks are “laser-focused” on the crucial issues that matter most to them. They’re standing strong and are determined to achieve a “seminal deal.” You can watch the video update on the guild’s YouTube channel.
With the current contract set to expire on June 30, the guild has a narrow window of time remaining before the deadline. However, Crabtree-Ireland remains optimistic that a fair deal can be reached that respects the contributions of SAG-AFTRA members to the industry. This update comes on the heels of the Directors Guild ratifying a new film and TV contract and 54 days into the ongoing Writers Guild strike.
Prior to the strike authorization vote, the guild outlined some of its key bargaining issues, including economic fairness, residuals, regulating the use of artificial intelligence, and alleviating the burdens of the industry-wide shift to self-taping. Stay tuned for more updates as negotiations continue.
