SAG-AFTRA urges members to follow picketing guidelines for safe and legal strike actions.
To ensure a secure and peaceful picketing experience during their ongoing strike, SAG-AFTRA has issued guidelines for its members, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a non-violent and professional approach. To achieve their objectives, the guild has explicitly discouraged the use of weapons, intoxication, or engaging in confrontations. By adhering to these guidelines, members can demonstrate their dedication to the cause while upholding the principles of solidarity and lawful protest.
SAG-AFTRA recognizes the significance of this historic strike in advancing the interests of the entertainment industry. Picketing is a crucial tactic employed to compel studios to negotiate a fair deal. However, the guild emphasizes that strikes are lawful actions, and it is essential to abide by labor laws and policies throughout this support effort.
The picketing guidelines set forth by the guild include the following key points:
Non-violence and Conflict Avoidance:
- Members must refrain from engaging in violence, threats, or intimidating behavior.
- Confrontations should be avoided, and a peaceful environment should be maintained.
Prohibition of Weapons:
- Members are strictly prohibited from carrying weapons or objects that could be perceived as potential weapons, such as sticks, toy guns, or laser pointers.
Professional Conduct:
- Derogatory language, profanity, and attempts to intimidate others are strictly prohibited.
- Avoid disrupting traffic, such as requesting drop-offs or pick-ups on curbs.
Sobriety:
- Alcohol and intoxicating substances should not be used at the picketing site.
- Participation while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances is strictly prohibited.
Respect for Public Spaces:
- Facilities’ ingress and egress should not be blocked, and sidewalks should remain clear.
- Mindful consideration should be given to pedestrians, vehicles, public transportation stops, and intersections.
- Property damage and littering are strictly prohibited.
Media Interaction:
- Members must refrain from speaking to the press on behalf of SAG-AFTRA.
- Any inquiries from the police or managers should be directed to picket captains or designated leadership.
- Caution should be exercised when responding to questions, as seemingly innocent queries may be designed to provoke a violation of labor law.
Online Presence:
- Members should assume they are being recorded at all times and exercise caution regarding their social media posts.
Compliance with Laws:
- All parking and traffic regulations, as well as other laws, must be followed.
Coordination with SAG-AFTRA Staff:
- All signs and materials used for picketing must be approved by SAG-AFTRA staff.
- Signs should be returned to the check-in table before leaving the picket line.
- Instructions from SAG-AFTRA staff and picket captains should be promptly followed to maintain a safe, legal, and effective picket line.
Enjoyment and Unity:
- Members are encouraged to have fun during the strike by engaging in activities such as moving, walking, dancing with their signs, and starting chants or songs.
- While the strike is of utmost importance, it is also an opportunity for members to unite and create an enjoyable atmosphere.
- By adhering to these picketing guidelines, SAG-AFTRA members can collectively demonstrate their commitment to the cause while ensuring a secure and legal strike.
