SAG-AFTRA has agreed to federal mediation in order to break the bargaining deadlock with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. However, they expressed doubt that the employers are genuinely interested in reaching an agreement. The deadline for reaching an agreement remains Wednesday at midnight PT.
In a statement, the union announced that its negotiating committee has agreed to the AMPTP’s last-minute request for federal mediation. They remain dedicated to securing a fair deal by the expiration of the extended contract. The union also condemned the tactic outlined in an inaccurate Variety piece, which named the CEOs of entertainment conglomerates as the force behind the request for mediation. This information was leaked to the press by the CEOs and their anonymous sources before the negotiators were even informed. The union feels that the AMPTP has abused their trust and damaged the respect they have for them in this process.
SAG-AFTRA represents performers and is committed to negotiating in good faith to secure a fair and just deal. They will explore every possible opportunity to make a deal, but they are skeptical of the employers’ intentions. The union emphasizes that time is running out and urges the AMPTP to bring forth an offer that meets the needs of their members.
SAG-AFTRA entered negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on June 7 with overwhelming support from its members. The contracts were extended on June 30 and now expire on July 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
