Negotiations between the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and Hollywood’s studios are set to resume on October 24th in an attempt to end the ongoing strike. The strike, which began on July 14th, has caused significant disruptions in the entertainment industry. Both sides are grappling with complex issues, including compensation for streamed content and the use of artificial intelligence.
In a statement posted on X, the union announced that the company executives have requested a return to the negotiating table. The union expressed gratitude for the strength and unity demonstrated by its members throughout the strike, emphasizing their readiness to work towards a fair deal. The union urged its members to disregard any information that does not come directly from them.
The strike was reignited last week as SAG-AFTRA members returned to picket lines, with union president Fran Drescher and other industry leaders calling for immediate negotiations. Fran Drescher criticized the major studios for suspending contract talks with striking actors. This call for negotiations was echoed by leaders from various Hollywood unions, including the Writers Guild of America and the Directors Guild of America, who issued a joint statement demanding an immediate return to the bargaining table.
Negotiations had broken down on October 11th, with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers stating that the gap between the two sides was too significant. A key point of contention was SAG-AFTRA’s proposal for a 75 cents per subscriber annual charge as part of a revenue sharing plan, which Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos referred to as a levy on subscribers and a bridge too far.
Interestingly, it was the studio bosses who asked for the talks to resume, including prominent figures like Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Disney’s Bob Iger, and NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley. Since October 2nd, the two sides have met five times in an effort to find common ground and resolve the strike.
SAG-AFTRA’s demands include wage increases, safeguards against the use of actors’ images through artificial intelligence, improved compensation for streaming programs, and enhancements to health and retirement benefits. It should be noted that the Writers Guild of America recently ended their strike against the studios, with their members later ratifying the agreement that ended the strike.
As negotiations resume, hopes are high for a positive outcome that recognizes the contributions and concerns of both the actors and the studios. The industry eagerly anticipates a resolution that will restore harmony and allow for the smooth continuation of entertainment production.
