EXCLUSIVE: “We are not going to have the UK used as a backdoor to undermine SAG-AFTRA’s dispute,” declares the leader of UK actors union Equity. In an interview with FilmmakerFocus, Paul Fleming emphasizes that the ongoing labor action in the US will not benefit his members. While there has been speculation about international actors finding work during the strike, Equity firmly supports SAG’s refusal to issue new Global Rule One addenda. Fleming points out that the “drying up” of access to American talent affects the entire global industry.
Equity is determined to use every legal means to support the strike and prevent the UK from being used to undermine it. Fleming acknowledges the challenges of helping his 50,000-strong member base understand the impact of the strike on their projects. Despite the UK’s anti-union laws, which require SAG members working under an Equity contract to continue working, Fleming is not aware of any British actors refusing to work in solidarity. He compares this situation to public sector workers who are also prevented from taking action to support their colleagues.
Equity’s support for the strike goes beyond solidarity with US actors. The union’s TV and film contract with UK producer trade body Pact and the broadcasters is expiring, and negotiations for a new contract will begin soon. Equity’s demands for change align closely with SAG’s, including a 15% pay rise, reporting provisions for secondary payments, and provisions on AI.
Fleming emphasizes the significant impact of the dispute on British producers’ plans for the coming year. To ensure alignment, he has been in regular communication with SAG officials and is now speaking to them daily. Equity and SAG want to be on the same page during negotiations. Fleming highlights the strength of Equity’s agreements, which form the basis of the majority of content filmed in Europe and the UK.
AI provisions will be a major focus of the upcoming negotiations. SAG and Equity have been discussing the impact of AI on TV and film since a global meeting in London last September. Equity has developed an AI toolkit to protect performers from having their performances cloned. Fleming acknowledges that SAG is ahead in the details of AI negotiations.
Fleming spoke ahead of dual Equity rallies in London and Manchester, featuring appearances from high-profile actors and politicians. The rallies aim to show support for the strike and will begin in three hours’ time.
