SAG-AFTRA continues to deliberate over the latest offer from the studios and streamers as both parties work toward a new three-year agreement to end the actors’ strike. After a meeting with the AMPTP on Monday night, the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee spent 10 hours deliberating the following day, with plans to continue on Wednesday. The union tweeted, “We appreciate your patience and support while we finish our work.”
The negotiations have been intense, with marathon sessions and continued discussions over the companies’ latest offer. SAG-AFTRA’s chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers president Carol Lombardini have been working to address the companies’ latest tweaks to their proposals, including changes to AI.
While the union is expected to deliver its response soon, they have declined to comment due to the ongoing negotiations and their focus on negotiating in good faith to secure a fair deal for its members. The negotiations have been ongoing for about two weeks, with AI remaining a key issue. The union’s initial approach in its Interim Agreement consisted of around four pages of legal language, but the length has since multiplied as the labor group seeks to eradicate potential loopholes that could affect performers in the next three years.
Studios’ proposed AI regulations for “Schedule F” performers—high-earning guild members who earn more than the minimums for series regulars and feature films—have been a key sticking point for the union. In addition to this issue, the union is also planning to counter on non-monetary issues.
The union’s negotiating committee is determined to secure the right deal and bring the strike to an end responsibly. Despite several essential items remaining unresolved, including AI, both parties are working tirelessly to reach an agreement. The 2023 actors’ strike is now in its 117th day.
In a previous version of this story, it was incorrectly stated that SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP were set to meet on Wednesday, but no date has been set for more talks.
As the negotiations continue, it is imperative for both parties to come to an agreement that is fair and beneficial to all involved. The entertainment industry relies on the talent and skill of actors, and it is in everyone’s best interest to end the strike and move forward with a new agreement. The impact of the strike has been felt throughout the industry, and it is crucial to find a resolution that allows all parties to continue their work without disruption.
Ultimately, both SAG-AFTRA and the studios and streamers must reach a compromise that addresses the concerns of all involved and ensures that the interests of actors and the industry as a whole are protected. It is a complex and challenging process, but the dedication and commitment from both sides demonstrate a genuine effort to find a solution. As the negotiations continue, the hope is that a new three-year agreement can be reached to bring an end to the actors’ strike and allow the industry to move forward.
