Studios urge actors union to resume negotiations after 100-day strike.
Striking Union Actors Return to Negotiation Table with Studios
After a 12-day break, the union actors who have been on strike will resume talks with studios. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has requested the negotiations to continue, as confirmed by the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. This announcement comes on the 100th day of the ongoing strike against major studios such as Amazon/MGM, Apple, NBCUniversal, Disney/ABC/Fox, Netflix, Paramount/CBS, Sony, and Warner Bros.
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“The strength and solidarity shown by our members have sent a powerful message to the CEOs. We are ready, willing, and able to engage in negotiations at a moment’s notice. We are determined and unwavering in our pursuit of a fair deal that honors your sacrifices,” expressed SAG-AFTRA’s negotiating team on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This development follows the successful agreements made by the AMPTP with the Directors Guild of America and the Writers Guild of America. The AMPTP claims to have offered the same terms that were ratified by the DGA and WGA, including general wage increases, High-Budget [subscription video on demand] residuals, and viewership bonuses. However, negotiations with SAG-AFTRA reached a critical point two weeks ago due to disagreements over wage increases, streaming residuals, and protections against artificial intelligence.
As the next round of negotiations approaches, the AMPTP has not released any statements. The agreement with the WGA required two rounds of negotiations during the 144-day strike.
Earlier this week, actor George Clooney and other top earners in the union offered to raise their dues caps. They proposed a $150 million contribution over three years, but their offer was ultimately rejected. SAG-AFTRA clarified that this concept, while generous, is not related to the current contract or subject to collective bargaining due to federal labor law restrictions.
On the other hand, SAG-AFTRA has accepted $15 million in donations for their Emergency Financial Assistance Program. This impressive fundraising effort was made possible by contributions of $1 million or more from celebrities such as George Clooney, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Hugh Jackman, Dwayne Johnson, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez, Ryan Reynolds, Julia Roberts, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Meryl Streep, and Oprah Winfrey.
Meanwhile, union members have been advised to refrain from wearing Halloween costumes inspired by the struck work until the strike officially ends. SAG-AFTRA suggests that such costumes could be seen as promotional work for the studios they are striking against.
How has the strike affected the production of television shows and films?
Ined to fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for our craft,” said Gabrielle Carteris, President of the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).
The strike, which began on September 21st, has disrupted the production of numerous television shows and films, causing delays and financial losses for both the studios and the actors themselves. The primary issue at stake is the actors’ demand for increased compensation from streaming platforms, whose profits have skyrocketed in recent years.
Streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon have become major players in the entertainment industry, generating billions of dollars in revenue from subscriptions and advertising. However, the actors argue that their compensation has not kept pace with the industry’s growth and that they deserve a fair share of the profits.
In addition to financial considerations, the actors are also pushing for improved working conditions and protections, particularly in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The union has called for better safety protocols on set, as well as provisions for healthcare and retirement benefits.
The negotiations, which will recommence on Monday, aim to find common ground between the union’s demands and the studios’ interests. Both parties have expressed a willingness to reach a fair and equitable agreement that will benefit all stakeholders.
“The resumption of negotiations is a positive step forward. We are hopeful that both sides can come together and find a solution that addresses the concerns of the union without causing irreparable harm to the industry,” said Karen Stuart, National Executive Director of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
The strike has garnered significant attention and support from other industry professionals, including writers, directors, and fellow actors. Many have expressed solidarity with the union and its cause, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment and compensation for all workers in the entertainment industry.
As the negotiations continue, the eyes of the industry and the public will be closely watching for any developments. The outcome of these talks will not only shape the future of the union actors but also have broader implications for the entertainment industry as a whole.
Both sides have a vested interest in reaching a resolution that addresses the actors’ concerns while ensuring the continued success and profitability of the studios. The resumption of negotiations brings hope that a mutually satisfactory agreement can be achieved, putting an end to the strike and allowing the industry to move forward.
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