SAG-AFTRA Accepts Mediation, Declines Contract Deadline Extension.
SAG-AFTRA has agreed to participate in federal mediation for its contract but has clarified that it will not extend the contract deadline, which expires on Wednesday at midnight.
The limited timeframe poses a challenge for the mediator to prevent a potential strike that could commence as early as Thursday morning.
In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, the union emphasized the dwindling time and acknowledged the severely strained relationship between both parties.
While the union remains committed to reaching a deal before the deadline, it doubts the employers’ willingness to negotiate and reach an agreement.
The union stated, “The AMPTP has betrayed our trust and damaged our respect for them throughout this process. We will not be manipulated by their cynical attempt to secure an extension, considering the companies have had more than sufficient time to establish a fair deal.”
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers proposed involving the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to facilitate the resolution. Industry leaders such as Disney’s Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, and Apple’s Zack Van Amburg supported the plan and conducted conference calls on Monday.
Prominent agents, including CAA’s Bryan Lourd and Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel, have also been mediating progress between the two sides.
“We are here to secure an agreement that guarantees our members receive a fair wage in the expansive industry we contribute to with our work,” stated the union. “The AMPTP can achieve this at any time. They understand the needs of our members, and when they address them, we will listen. However, time is of the essence.”
A strike by SAG-AFTRA would halt scripted TV and film production conducted by AMPTP companies globally.
On Tuesday, SAG-AFTRA members who volunteered as strike captains received training from their counterparts in the Writers Guild of America while picketing.
Numerous SAG-AFTRA members at Netflix headquarters participated in marches alongside the WGA, as they have done for the past two months.
Tessa Claire Hersh, a SAG-AFTRA member, expressed her anticipation of a strike, highlighting many individuals’ awareness, interest, and motivation. She viewed the situation as an opportunity to take action urgently, explaining that the circumstances are currently unfavorable and potentially worsen.
Ryan Faja, another SAG-AFTRA member, shared similar sentiments, stating, “Everyone wants us to strike. It feels inevitable. Working in this industry and living in an expensive city is increasingly challenging. The top figures seem to desire more for themselves.”
Initially set to expire on June 30, the SAG-AFTRA contract was extended for 12 days as both parties sought to make progress. While agreements have been reached in certain areas, significant differences remain, particularly regarding artificial intelligence and streaming residuals.
SAG-AFTRA also demands substantial wage increases and additional pension and health plan funds.
On Monday, SAG-AFTRA leadership held a meeting for entertainment publicists, outlining the guidelines in the event of a strike. Actors and performers will be prohibited from attending sets and participating in interviews to promote their work.
More Project Casting Entertainment News:
Henry Cavill’s Bond Audition Was ‘Tremendous,’ Says ‘Casino Royale’ Director
Henry Cavill’s Bond Audition Impressed ‘Casino Royale’ Director: He Would’ve Been an Excellent 007 If Daniel Craig Hadn’t Secured the Role In a recent interview…
Box Office: ‘Spider-Verse’ Returns to No. 1 as ‘The Flash’ Collapses by 73%
Box Office Report: ‘Spider-Verse Reclaims No. 1 Spot, ‘The Flash’ Stumbles, and Jennifer Lawrence’s ‘No Hard Feelings’ Debuts with $15 Million In a surprising t…
Woody and Buzz Lightyear Are Returning for ‘Toy Story 5’
Woody and Buzz Lightyear to Return in Disney’s ‘Toy Story 5’ Pixar’s highly anticipated project, Toy Story 5, is officially underway, and fans will be delighted…
