When NBC announced Saturday Night Live (SNL) season 49 would return this month, many in the Hollywood community were left scratching their heads wondering how could performers return if SAG-AFTRA is still on strike.
Now the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has issued a statement clarifying its stance on the participation of its members in the popular television show, Saturday Night Live (SNL).
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In the statement, SAG-AFTRA emphasizes that its members appearing on Saturday Night Live, whether as hosts, guests, or cast members, are not in violation of the strike rules and are working under the Network Code agreement. This agreement falls outside the scope of the strike, and the union fully supports its members in fulfilling their contractual obligations related to SNL.
“SAG-AFTRA members appearing on Saturday Night Live either as hosts, guests, or cast members are working under the Network Code agreement, which is not a contract we are striking,” the guild wrote in a message to its members on Wednesday. “They are not in violation of SAG-AFTRA strike rules, and we support them in fulfilling their contractual obligations.
The statement also clarifies that SNL is considered a SAG-AFTRA non-dramatic production governed by a separate agreement, which is not subject to the union’s strike order. Moreover, many of the union’s members who are regular cast members on SNL had pre-existing contractual obligations to the show before the strike commenced. These obligations, often in the form of option agreements, require the performers to return to the show if the producers choose to exercise their options.
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Another crucial point raised in the statement is the existence of a “No Strike Clause” in the Network Code Collective Bargaining Agreement. Under this clause, SAG-AFTRA performers commit not to strike during the term of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and agree to report for work during this period. The Network Code agreement extends through June 30, 2024. Consequently, performers who do not report for work may be held in breach of contract, and the union is legally prohibited from advising them not to work.
SAG-AFTRA emphasized that its current strike is directed against the studios and does not target members who are obligated to work under different union contracts or personal service agreements. The union stands in solidarity with its colleagues across the industry while recognizing its legal obligations under federal labor law.
The dual Hollywood strikes, beginning with the writers’ strike beginning in May, brought production and promotion of film and television projects to a screeching halt. SNL, along with late-night talk shows were among the first productions shut down.
A number of television shows have worked to get back on track. Late-night TV hosts Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert and John Oliver premiered their first episodes in five months this week.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the entire cast including Bowen Yang, Ego Nwodim and Chloe Fineman, will return. Comedian Chloe Troast joins the cast as a featured player this season.
The first telecast back on October 14 will feature former cast member Pete Davidson, who was originally slated to host last season, with Ice Spice performing as the variety show’s musical guest. The next week, on Saturday, Oct. 21, Bad Bunny will serve as both the show’s host and musical guest.
For Reel 360 News’ full strike coverage, click here.
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