The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is marking a significant milestone as it enters its fourth week of a historic strike, demanding a contract that recognizes the changing landscape of the entertainment industry and secures fair compensation for its members in the era of streaming and AI.
In a passionate statement to its members, SAG-AFTRA leadership emphasized the significance of the current negotiation and drew parallels with the pivotal strike in 1960, which led to landmark achievements such as pension and health plans and residuals. The union made it clear that they are determined not to settle for anything less transformative in this negotiation, as they aim to protect their members from digital exploitation and ensure that the value of their work in subscription and advertising-supported streaming platforms is acknowledged.
“When we called the strike — authorized by you, our members, with 98% approval — we did so knowing that we had done everything possible to avoid it, including extending negotiations for 12 days, the longest in our union’s history. The AMPTP— the organization that bargains on behalf of the studios, networks and streamers — refused to negotiate with us fairly, and have not contacted us to resume talks.”
The memo went on to say that SAG-AFTRA views itself as part of a larger global labor movement, with millions of workers across various industries fighting similar battles against corporate greed. The solidarity shown by members on picket lines, through social media, and in interviews highlights the righteous cause they are fighting for.
A central component of the union’s strike strategy is the Interim Agreement, which is being granted to select independent productions that meet strict criteria. These agreements enable journeymen performers and crew to continue working while supporting the union’s demands. Importantly, these independent projects must adhere to all the terms proposed by SAG-AFTRA, ensuring that the work remains aligned with the union’s goals.
The interim agreements also serve as a tool to put pressure on AMPTP companies. Content produced under the Interim Agreement cannot be distributed by these companies without adhering to the higher residuals and revenue share for SAG-AFTRA members. This approach maintains the union’s strength and upper hand until the AMPTP returns to the negotiating table.
“Our interim agreements are quite literally the opposite of “waivers.” There are no passes, exceptions or exemptions being given to anyone. Productions must agree to all our terms or that work is struck.
These agreements are also designed to undermine the production slates and timing of the AMPTP companies and ensure that they come back to the table. Until they do, they will not be able to distribute content made under our Interim Agreement without paying our members in those projects higher residuals and revenue share. This approach maintains our strength, solidarity and upper hand with the AMPTP until they yield to our deal.”
REELated:
SAG-AFTRA believes that the terms proposed are not unrealistic, as evidenced by independent productions willingly accepting them. The union’s leadership stresses that if these smaller projects can agree to fair terms, billion- and trillion-dollar entertainment giants should be able to do the same.
Throughout the strike, SAG-AFTRA expresses gratitude for the overwhelming support shown by its members across the United States. The union’s dedication to securing a transformative contract reflects its commitment to shaping a new culture in the entertainment industry where the well-being of workers and financial success are intertwined, redefining the concept of achievement in the process.
