SAG-AFTRA’s Duncan Crabtree-Ireland Says Strike Is “A Possibility” as Contract Talks Near
SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland struck a cautious but firm tone Thursday while speaking onstage at CES in Las Vegas, addressing the union’s upcoming contract negotiations with studios and streamers — and the possibility of another strike.
With memories of the 2023 labor stoppage still fresh, Crabtree-Ireland made it clear that SAG-AFTRA will not back down from its demands.
“I want to be crystal clear: We are not going to accept a deal that is not fair to our members,” he said. “There is no reason there should need to be a strike because these companies should come to the table in good faith, as we are.”
However, Crabtree-Ireland did not rule out labor action if negotiations stall.
“I am certainly not going to rule out a strike,” he added. “A strike is a possibility.”
SAG-AFTRA, which represents roughly 170,000 performers, will begin talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on February 9 — an unusually early start, given that the current contract does not expire until June 30.
Acknowledging the damage caused by the prolonged 2023 strike, Crabtree-Ireland later tempered his remarks, emphasizing that there is ample time to reach an agreement.
“But with a start on February 9, with weeks and weeks of time for us to negotiate, there is no reason we shouldn’t be able to reach a deal,” he said.
This year marks a shift in the traditional bargaining timeline, with SAG-AFTRA negotiating first before other major guilds. The AMPTP, led by Greg Hessinger, is reportedly seeking longer multi-year contracts, potentially extending the current three-year term to five years in the name of industry “stability.”
Studios and streamers are also expected to propose a substantial financial contribution — reportedly more than $100 million — to guild health plans as part of the negotiations. However, Crabtree-Ireland declined to comment on specifics.
He said he could not “respond to a non-proposal,” noting that SAG-AFTRA has not yet received any formal offers from the AMPTP.
While Crabtree-Ireland maintained that no official proposals have been presented, industry observers believe both sides are already engaged in informal discussions ahead of next month’s talks.
Despite the focus on contract terms and healthcare funding, technology — particularly artificial intelligence — remained a major theme of Crabtree-Ireland’s CES appearance. AI protections were a central issue during the 2023 strikes, and they are expected to remain a key point of contention as negotiations resume.
As talks approach, SAG-AFTRA’s message is clear: the union is open to reaching a deal — but prepared to take action if necessary.
