SAG-AFTRA Actors Demand Better Treatment: Strike Shuts Down Hollywood

Due to inadequate responses and failures with contract negotiations, SAG-AFTRA joined the strike in Hollywood. This is its first strike in four decades.

Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) joined the Writers Guild of America (WGA) due to their concerns with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

Negotiations began Thursday, June 7, and SAG-AFTRA worked on deals to protect their workers. However, AMPTP refused to acknowledge changes in the industry, posing problems and concerns for the actors.

“Though we’ve engaged in negotiations in good faith and remained eager to reach a deal that sufficiently addressed performer concerns, the AMPTP’s responses to our proposals have not been adequate,” stated SAG-AFTRA president and National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland Fran Drescher in her message.

SAG-AFTRA has continued to assure members that they will be updated on how the strike will affect their ability to work. Details will be provided soon.

Sadly, Discussion Films has pointed out these setbacks in a post: “During the SAG-AFTRA strike, actors will not be allowed to: Film any movie & [television] productions, take part in any press junkets or film premieres and unable to promote anything at SDCC, and will be advised not to attend at all.” 

So deadpool 3 will halt production all together?

— R (@rayyanasyraff) July 13, 2023

Upon hearing this news, people are demanding that everyone continues to receive pay. Most, though, are concerned about upcoming movies coming to a halt.

PLS PAY EVERYONE

— Gemma Chan News (@GChanNews) July 13, 2023

Disney CEO Bob Iger spoke about these strikes.

According to Variety Magazine, Iger discussed how “the writers and actors unions going on strike in Hollywood are not being ‘realistic’ with their expectations,” and expressed his frustrations with the poor timing of these strikes in the industry.

The public hopes for a solution, sooner rather than later, that will be in the best interest of SAG-AFTRA and WGA in order for the entertainment industry to run smoothly.