LOS ANGELES (KNX) – As Hollywood writers continue their strike, union leaders with the Screen Actors Guild have called for a strike authorization vote. If passed, the decision would allow the union to strike if contract negotiations stall. The guild’s current agreement expires on June 30.
The union, representing more than 160,000 actors, journalists, and other entertainers and media professionals, will begin negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on June 7.
“A successful strike authorization vote doesn’t initiate a strike,” read a press release from the union. “Instead, the strike authorization permits the National Board to declare a strike if the studios and streaming companies fail to negotiate fairly with SAG-AFTRA for the benefit of its members.”
SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher voiced her support for the vote.
“For the first time in a very long time, our member leadership stands in solidarity at the negotiating committee and the National Board levels on moving forward with a strike authorization. We must get all our ducks in a row should the need present itself,” she said.
The guild cited inflation, streaming residuals, self-tapes, and the unregulated use of artificial intelligence as to why “earning a living as a professional performer has become increasingly difficult.”
The union last went on strike in 1980 to set up contracts for videocassettes and pay television, according to Deadline.
It comes in the midst of AMPTP’s ongoing negotiations with the Directors Guild of America and the Writers Guild of America wrapping up its third week of striking.
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