Breaking News: Actors Unite in Historic Vote as Negotiators Make Dramatic Statement

The negotiation period between the Screen Actors Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has come to an end, determining whether or not SAG members will go on strike. The Writers Guild of America has been on strike since May due to unsuccessful negotiations with the AMPTP, and SAG-AFTRA has found itself in a similar position recently. Negotiations were extended until midnight PT last night and have now concluded.

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland have issued a statement recommending that actors go on strike, with the final vote for authorization scheduled for this morning. If approved by the National Board, all ongoing productions will be halted, and actors will not be permitted to promote their upcoming projects through interviews or at events such as San Diego Comic-Con. Please find an excerpt of the statement below:

Since negotiations began on June 7, our Negotiating Committee and staff have tirelessly worked to secure a deal that safeguards the well-being of you, the hardworking actors and performers who are essential to this industry. As you are aware, the streaming industry's growth has significantly undermined your compensation over the past decade. Moreover, the emergence of artificial intelligence poses a grave threat to creative professions, necessitating contract language that shields actors and performers from exploitation of their talents and identity without proper compensation or consent. Despite our unwavering dedication to fighting for your rights, the AMPTP has failed to recognize the detrimental impact of industry and economic changes on laborers in the studios. Despite our sincere efforts to negotiate in good faith and our eagerness to address performer concerns, the AMPTP's responses to our proposals have been inadequate.

Source: SAG-AFTRA