Hollywood actors could join the picket lines after failed negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
SAG-AFTRA’s National Board are expected to vote Thursday morning on whether or not to strike, despite union members voting 97.91% in favor of authorizing a strike last month.
"SAG-AFTRA negotiated in good faith and was eager to reach a deal that sufficiently addressed performer needs, but the AMPTP's responses to the union's most important proposals have been insulting and disrespectful of our massive contributions to this industry,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said.
"The companies have refused to meaningfully engage on some topics and on others completely stonewalled us. Until they do negotiate in good faith, we cannot begin to reach a deal. We have no choice but to move forward in unity, and on behalf of our membership, with a strike recommendation to our National Board. The board will discuss the issue this morning and will make its decision."
The union’s contract expired 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. A federal mediator was brought in Wednesday to help with the contract negotiation.
In a statement, AMPTP claimed SAG-AFTRA was the one who “decided to walk away from negotiations.”
"This is the Union's choice, not ours. In doing so, it has dismissed our offer of historic pay and residual increases, substantially higher caps on pension and health contributions, audition protections, shortened series option periods, a groundbreaking AI proposal that protects actors' digital likenesses, and more,” AMPTP said. “Rather than continuing to negotiate, SAG-AFTRA has put us on a course that will deepen the financial hardship for thousands who depend on the industry for their livelihoods."
If the actors join the Writers Guild on the picket line, it will mark the first time since 1960 that both unions went on strike. The issues at the forefront of the writers strike and possible actors’ strike include streaming residuals and the use of AI.
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