SAG Accuses AMPTP of ‘Cynical Ploys’ and Bully Tactics

The negotiation deadline for SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP to reach a deal is fast approaching, and things are not looking great for a deal to be reached. The newly looming deadline is Midnight of July 12th. Following some a piece regarding a call with various high ranking studio execs (Bob Iger of Disney, David Zaslav of Warner Bros. Discovery, and Ted Sarandos of Netflix) and ‘federally appointed mediation,’ SAG-AFTRA has released what we would categorize as a fairly scathing statement.

According to the organization, they have agreed to federal mediation, and will uphold the deadline. BUT, SAG-AFTRA had some other things to say, too.

“We will not be distracted from negotiating in good faith to secure a fair and just deal by the expiration of our agreement. We are committed to the negotiating process and will explore and exhaust every possible opportunity to make a deal, however we are not confident that the employers have any intention of bargaining toward an agreement.

Furthermore, we condemn the tactic outlined in today’s inaccurate Variety piece naming the CEOs of several entertainment conglomerates as the force behind the request for mediation; information that was leaked to the press by the CEOs and their ‘anonymous sources’ before our negotiators were even told of the request for mediation. The AMPTP has abused our trust and damaged the respect we have for them in this process. We will not be manipulated by this cynical ploy to engineer an extension when the companies have had more than enough time to make a fair deal. 

SAG-AFTRA represents performers. We are here to get a deal that ensures our members can earn a living wage in our expansive industry we help make possible with our work. The AMPTP can make this happen at any time. They know what our members need and when they bring that to the table, we will be listening, but it’s important to know – time is running out.”

We’ll let you know what we hear about the results of tomorrow’s deadline.