SAG-AFTRA members refuse to accept a “bad deal” and would rather “stay on strike,” according to a recent open letter.
Thousands of SAG-AFTRA Union Members Stand Firm in Open Letter
In a powerful display of solidarity, several thousand members of the SAG-AFTRA union have signed an open letter, declaring that they will not back down until they secure the deal they deserve.
Since July 14, the union has been on strike, bringing most Hollywood productions to a standstill. This courageous group of 3,600 members, known as Members in Solidarity, includes renowned stars like Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jon Hamm, Maya Hawke, Marisa Tomei, John Leguizamo, and Bryan Cranston, according to Variety.
The letter emphasizes that the negotiating committee still represents the majority of SAG-AFTRA members, who are unwavering in their commitment to strike until they achieve a fair deal that honors their collective sacrifice. It states, “We have not come all this way to cave now. We have not gone without work, without pay, and walked picket lines for months just to give up on everything we’ve been fighting for. We cannot and will not accept a contract that fails to address the vital and existential problems that we all need fixed.”
The letter is a powerful reminder that in any union, there will always be a minority who are not willing to make temporary sacrifices for the greater good.
Restlessness Grows as Negotiations Stall
As negotiations continue to falter, some union members are growing restless. The end of the writers’ strike in late September had raised hopes for a similar resolution for SAG-AFTRA, given their shared demands. However, progress has been elusive.
Recently, a group of A-list actors led by George Clooney proposed an alternative solution to raise funds, offering to contribute $150 million of their own money over three years by removing the current cap on union dues. This innovative approach would prioritize top earners as the last to collect on residuals. Unfortunately, the negotiating committee did not see the validity of this proposal.
Ultimately, it is up to the SAG-AFTRA representatives to forge a mutually agreeable deal with major studios, paving the way for Hollywood to finally resume its vibrant production.
Why is the issue of streaming residuals important to the Members in Solidarity?
Mo, and many others.
The open letter, addressed to the SAG-AFTRA leadership, emphasizes the importance of fair wages, equitable working conditions, and the protection of actors’ rights. The Members in Solidarity firmly believe that their collective bargaining power will ensure that these demands are met, and they refuse to settle for anything less.
One of the key issues at stake is the issue of streaming residuals. Streaming platforms, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, have become major players in the entertainment industry, yet actors receive minuscule compensation compared to traditional television and film projects. The open letter demands that streaming residuals be revamped to reflect the current landscape and provide fair compensation for actors.
Another crucial concern is the safety and well-being of actors on set. The Members in Solidarity argue that long working hours, inadequate breaks, and unsafe conditions have become all too common in the industry. They call for stronger protections and regulations to ensure that actors can carry out their work without fear of harm.
Furthermore, the open letter highlights the need for increased diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. The Members in Solidarity believe that the industry should accurately reflect the diverse society we live in and provide equal opportunities for actors from all backgrounds. They demand that studios and production companies actively take steps to address this issue and eliminate the systemic barriers that exist.
The Members in Solidarity acknowledge the potential impact of their strike on the entertainment industry, but they firmly believe that this is a necessary step to bring about the changes they seek. They declare that they are ready to continue their fight for as long as it takes, and they express gratitude to their fans for their support and understanding.
The power of this open letter lies not only in the words written, but also in the diverse group of actors who have come together to support this cause. With the backing of thousands of SAG-AFTRA members, the Members in Solidarity are a force to be reckoned with, and their determination will undoubtedly create ripples within the industry.
The SAG-AFTRA union represents over 160,000 actors, journalists, and other media professionals in the United States. The solidarity displayed through this open letter reflects the passion and commitment that exists within the union to fight for the rights and well-being of its members.
It is now up to the SAG-AFTRA leadership and the industry as a whole to listen to the concerns raised in the open letter and take the necessary steps to address them. The Members in Solidarity have made it clear that they are not backing down, and their voices will not go unheard.
In the face of adversity, unity prevails, and the Members in Solidarity have already proven their unwavering strength. The results of their fight for fair treatment and representation in the entertainment industry remain to be seen, but one thing is certain – they have sparked a conversation that cannot be ignored.
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