SAG-AFTRA & Studios To Meet Monday to Resume Strike Negotiations

SAG-AFTRA and the studios will meet on Monday to resume strike negotiations. This post covers the announcement and the events around it.

SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP have scheduled a meeting for next week. Representatives from both the actors guild and the studio released a joint statement on Wednesday evening. They confirmed that strike negotiations for a new TV/Theatrical contract will resume on Monday, October 2.

The 160,000-strong actors union confirmed this development. Earlier, there was uncertainty about confirmed meeting dates with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, as reported exclusively by Deadline.

Strike negotiations after the WGA strike ends

As of 12:01 a.m. today, the writers’ strike concluded after 148 days, just shy of the WGA’s longest-ever strike in 1988 at 153 days.

With the WGA strike resolved, picket lines at Disney and Warner Bros today were thinner compared to earlier this summer. However, actors are cautiously optimistic about a potential resolution for the ongoing SAG-AFTRA walkout. They feel this way given the AMPTP’s recent deal with the WGA that ended their strike.

It’s worth noting that SAG-AFTRA’s National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, Duncan Crabtree Ireland, is currently away on business.

The actors union has been on strike for 76 days due to a failure to reach a new contract agreement. The union is eager for progress.

An earlier exclusive on Tuesday reported that the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers had reached a tentative agreement. It also reported that the 160,000-strong actors union may soon sit down with the AMPTP. SAG-AFTRA leaders are looking to capitalize on the positive momentum in Hollywood. They aim to arrange meetings with the Carol Lombardini-led group by the end of next week.

What SAG-AFTRA said about the strike negotiations

However, it’s important to note that formal negotiations have yet to commence. A spokesperson for SAG-AFTRA confirmed this: “We have no confirmed dates scheduled and there will not be meetings with the AMPTP this week. When we do have dates confirmed, we will inform our members. No one should rely on speculation.”

As of now, the AMPTP has not responded to inquiries from Deadline regarding these potential meetings.

SAG-AFTRA members joined the WGA on picket lines on July 14. This marks the first joint strike in Hollywood since the Kennedy administration. The writers await details about their deal, which may come out today or tomorrow. Meanwhile, the actors union remains steadfast on the picket lines.

Both unions have demonstrated unwavering solidarity with each other throughout this current labor dispute. However, they have some unique concerns in their respective contract talks. SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland have been vocal advocates for their union’s stance. They emphasize the need for fair treatment and compensation.

A strike authorization for video games

SAG-AFTRA members voted unanimously on Monday to authorize a potential strike against the video game industry. They cited concerns about the exploitative use of AI and inadequate wages. Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez stressed the importance of reaching an agreement that provides fair compensation, safety measures, and dignity for these talented performers. Their livelihoods depend on it.

Key takeaways

• SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP confirmed that negotiations for a new TV/Theatrical contract will resume on Monday, October 2.
• The writers’ strike concluded after 148 days.
• The actors union has been on strike for 76 days.
• SAG-AFTRA members authorized a potential strike against the video game industry in a unanimous vote.

Learn more about the union on Wikipedia.

Related reading on Creative Geniusess

If you want more on the Hollywood strikes, these articles are a good next step.

• Hollywood Strike Resolved: SAG-AFTRA and Studios Reach Tentative Deal. It reports a tentative deal after 118 days of the actors guild being on strike.
• SAGAFTRA Responds to AMPTP Indicating “Several Issues” Including Artificial Intelligence. It covers SAG-AFTRA addressing the studio’s last, best, and final offer.
• Major Breakthrough Writers Set to Return to Work on 09/27/2023 After Lengthy Strike. It reports that writers are set to return to work after 148 days of striking.
• WGA Reaches Tentative Deal and Hollywood’s Actors Take Center Stage Amidst Labor Negotiations. It covers a tentative agreement between screenwriters and major entertainment studios.
• When will the WGA Strike End? – Hollywood’s Crucial Weekend Negotiations. It covers the final proposal that the studios presented to the striking writers.