SAG-AFTRA Extends Congratulations to WGA on Tentative Agreement, Calls on Studios to Resume Negotiations with Actors.
SAG-AFTRA, a staunch supporter of the writers throughout the WGA strike, wasted no time applauding the guild’s recent achievement in securing a tentative deal.
In an official statement, the union affirmed its ongoing strike stance and urged the AMPTP to re-engage with the actors at the negotiating table to hash out the essential terms for its members.
“SAG-AFTRA commends the WGA for reaching a tentative agreement with the AMPTP following an impressive 146 days of unwavering determination and unity on the picket lines. While we anticipate reviewing the specifics of the WGA and AMPTP’s tentative accord, we remain steadfast in our commitment to securing the requisite conditions for our members,” the statement emphasized.
“From the inception of the WGA strike, SAG-AFTRA members have stood shoulder to shoulder with the writers on the picket lines. We continue our strike action under our TV/Theatrical contract. We strongly encourage the CEOs of studios and streaming platforms, along with the AMPTP, to return to negotiations and establish an equitable deal that our members rightfully expect and request.”
This declaration comes amid the actors’ 73-day strike period.
SAG-AFTRA initiated their strike on July 14, a fortnight after their contract lapsed on June 30. The union greenlit their strike authorization vote, securing an overwhelming 98% mandate, on June 5.
Discussions broke down on July 13, marking the first actors’ strike against the film and TV industry since 1980. Although negotiations were ongoing, skeptics speculated that studios employed this tactic to afford specific Hollywood blockbusters more promotional lead time.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s National Executive Director and chief negotiator, consistently emphasized the union’s readiness to return to the negotiating table with the AMPTP, which, throughout this process, has engaged exclusively with one party at a time.
“We’ve remained prepared, eager, and capable of continuing negotiations with them, and we sincerely hope the AMPTP will rejoin us at the table,” he stated emphatically last month.
