SAG-AFTRA is gearing up for a potential TV/theatrical/streaming strike and wants to hear from its members. They are asking members to take a survey to determine if and how they would like to volunteer in the event of a walkout. This survey will help the guild make informed decisions about its members and resources if assistance is needed. The guild may soon call for a strike to put pressure on AMPTP companies for a fair deal on new TV/Theatrical Contracts. Picketing is an essential part of a successful strike, where members peacefully protest outside of struck companies’ work locations to draw public attention, shut down production, and discourage strikebreakers. To be effective, they need as many volunteers as possible.
, A month ago, SAG-AFTRA members voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike if contract talks fail to reach an acceptable deal. The guild has outlined key bargaining issues, including economic fairness, residuals, regulating the use of artificial intelligence, and addressing the challenges of the industry-wide shift to self-taping. Last Friday, the guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers agreed to extend their current contract to allow negotiations to continue until July 12. This extension comes amidst a grassroots campaign by guild members urging the guild to stand strong at the bargaining table and join the WGA on the picket lines if necessary. Over 1,700 actors, including prominent SAG-AFTRA members, have signed a letter expressing their willingness to strike rather than compromise on key issues.
, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland remain optimistic about the contract negotiations, stating that progress has been made in some areas. However, they acknowledge that there are still challenges to overcome. To gauge member interest and availability, the guild has included questions in the survey about picketing and volunteering to support the strike. Members can indicate their willingness to be picketers, provide picket line support, become strike captains, lead chants, act as safety guards, serve as neutral gate observers, create signs, offer event support, participate in phone banking, or contribute through photography and video documentation. Members are also asked to rank their preferred picketing locations in Los Angeles or express flexibility to go wherever needed.