Fran Drescher, the current President of SAG-AFTRA, expressed her strong disapproval of the studios’ proposed offers during a press conference announcing the union’s strike. Drescher, elected as president in 2022, criticized the studios for their greedy approach, stating that they were victimizing the union. She was shocked by the treatment they received from their business partners, emphasizing the significant differences in their positions. Drescher condemned the studios for claiming financial hardship while providing lavish compensation to CEOs, deeming it disgusting and shameful.
Although Drescher mostly deferred to Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the union’s national executive director, during the press conference, she didn’t hold back her criticism of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), with whom they have been engaged in prolonged negotiations for over a month. Drescher asserted that the studios were on the wrong side of history, while SAG-AFTRA stood in solidarity and unprecedented unity. She highlighted the support received from sister unions, unions worldwide, and other labor organizations, stressing that the moment of truth had arrived. With the advent of streaming, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence, the entire entertainment business model had changed. Drescher warned that failure to stand firm now would jeopardize everyone’s position, leaving them vulnerable to being replaced by machines and corporate interests focused on Wall Street rather than individuals and their families.
Known for her role in the popular 1990s CBS sitcom The Nanny, Drescher sought support from her union members throughout the negotiations, although her optimistic outlook in late June led to some high-profile members penning a letter to SAG-AFTRA leadership, demanding greater progress to avoid a strike. Additionally, during the final week of talks, Drescher’s presence at a Dolce & Gabbana event in Italy alongside Kim Kardashian drew criticism. Addressing the incident, she clarified that it was work-related as she is a brand ambassador for a fashion company, just like Kim. Drescher described the demanding nature of her work, including extensive hair and makeup sessions and navigating cobblestones in high heels. She emphasized her commitment to fulfilling her union obligations by participating in Zoom meetings late at night across multiple time zones.
Crabtree-Ireland supported Drescher’s statements, asserting that actors have the right to fulfill their professional responsibilities while honoring their union commitments. During the SAG-AFTRA presentation, the AMPTP released what they claimed to be the studio’s proposed deal to the actors, highlighting historic pay and residual increases, as well as a groundbreaking proposal involving artificial intelligence. However, Drescher found these proposals insulting, prompting the union to unite and authorize the largest strike in its history. She stressed the gravity of the situation, acknowledging that it would affect all laborers. Despite the labor-friendly environment in the country, they faced labor-unfriendly opposition from the studios, which failed to comprehend the changes in the industry’s business model. Drescher concluded that incremental changes to an outdated contract were no longer acceptable, demanding respect and fair compensation for the laborers who contributed to the studios’ success.
In summary, Fran Drescher vehemently criticized the studios’ proposed offers and called for unity within SAG-AFTRA. She denounced their greed, expressed shock at their treatment of the union, and emphasized the need for change in the contract to align with the evolving entertainment industry. Drescher, alongside other union members, authorized a strike to demand respect, fair compensation, and acknowledgment of their invaluable contributions to the studios’ prosperity.
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