SAG-AFTRA to Strike Starting at Midnight Tonight

After much nail biting tension, no deal was reached between SAG-AFTRA and the AMTPT. This means an immediate work stoppage across the guild, which encompasses film, television, presenters, radio personalities, as well as stage and screen actors.

National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher addressed members and the press.

The board unanimously voted to strike, which will begin at midnight tonight.

SAG-AFTRA is currently holding a press conference where details about the work stoppage will be shared.

The WGA East & West have been on strike since May 2nd, 2023. This is the first time in nearly 60 years the major two guilds have been on strike at the same time.

You can read the official SAG-AFTRA strike order here.

UPDATE-

The AMPTP has released a statement following SAG-AFTRA’s declaration. This is as it was released. SAG-AFTRA leadership responded to many of the following points during their press conference, to refute much of the claims as well as to clarify some of the points. We’ll update when we have their official written response:

“AMPTP member companies entered the negotiations with SAG-AFTRA with the goal of forging a new, mutually beneficial contract. The AMPTP presented a deal that offered historic pay and residual increases, substantially higher caps on pension and health contributions, audition protections, shortened series option periods, and a groundbreaking AI proposal that protects actors’ digital likenesses for SAG-AFTRA members. A strike is certainly not the outcome we hoped for as studios cannot operate without the performers that bring our TV shows and films to life. The Union has regrettably chosen a path that will lead to financial hardship for countless thousands of people who depend on the industry.

Here are some of the components of the Producers’ offer that SAG-AFTRA has chosen to forgo in favor of a strike:

• The highest percentage increase in minimums in 35 years
• 76% increase in High Budget SVOD foreign residuals
• Substantial increases in pension and health contribution caps
• Groundbreaking AI proposal which protects performers’ digital likenesses, including a requirement for performer’s consent for the creation and use of digital replicas or for digital alterations of a performance.
• 58% increase in salaries for major role (guest star) performers wages on High Budget SVOD Programs.
• Limitation of self-tape requests, including page, time and tech requirements. Options for virtual or in-person auditions.
• 11% pay increase in year 1 for background actors, stand-ins and photo doubles, an additional 17% increase for background actors required to do extensive self-styling, and an additional 62% increase for stand-ins required to deliver lines during a run-through and photo doubles required to memorize and deliver lines on camera.

• First-time-ever fixed residuals for Stunt Coordinators on television and High Budget SVOD programs.
• Shortened option periods for series regulars earning less than $65,000 per episode on a half-hour series or less than $70,000 per episode on a one-hour series.
• Dancers will now receive the on-camera rate for rehearsal days.

• Additional payments of 25% for dancers required to sing on camera during principal photography, as well as for singers required to dance on camera.
• First-of-its-kind provision establishing rates, terms and conditions for High Budget Programs made for AVOD.
• Hair and make-up consultation for performers of all complexions and hair textures.
• Limits on the amount of initial compensation that can be advanced or prepaid as residuals.”