With less than a week to go before the federation’s theatrical/television package expires, SAG-AFTRA leaders are assuring members that their negotiations with studios and people Streaming has been “incredibly productive”.
In a video message sent to the union’s 160,000 affected members on Saturday, union president Fran Drescher and national chief executive and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said the talks had been “Highly focused on all the most important issues you talked to us about. important to you.” Drescher said in the update that “we’re standing strong and we’re going to strike a big deal.” SAG-AFTRA’s current TV/stage contracts expire on June 30.
SAG-AFTRA has been negotiating with the Union of Film and Television Producers, which represents studios and streamers in labor negotiations, since June 7. Only three weeks and two days to make the deal (except where both parties decide to extend their existing contracts), and with industry writers still on protracted strike, pressure is on workers and management to reason to be closer together.
Acknowledging that both sides have “very limited time left,” Crabtree-Ireland said “we have all worked hard and long to advance these negotiations and we remain optimistic.” that we will be able to bring studios, networks and streamers together for a fair deal that respects your contributions to the industry.”
The video, shot from a crowded conference room at AMPTP’s Sherman Oaks headquarters where labor negotiations are underway, appears to be intended to assuage concerns that SAG-AFTRA is inevitably headed for a strike. , even after nearly 98% of members voted to allow the strike. possibility of stopping work before negotiation. If SAG-AFTRA orders a strike after their contract expires on June 30, it will ensure the shutdown of virtually all the union’s physical production, which is still going on in the coming weeks. context of writers strike.
“We’ll keep you informed as events unfold and until then, solidarity, solidarity and strength,” Drescher said with raised fists, as the room’s negotiating team erupted in cheers. cheering and clapping.
The video, sent after the union’s tenth day of 2023 negotiations, comes just three days after Crabtree-Ireland showed up at the “WGA Strong” rally in support of the striking writers. At that appearance, shortly after the SAG-AFTRA bargaining session, the union’s top negotiator assured the writers that SAG-AFTRA members “will continue to be by your side” when the strike strikes. continue.
