Over 300 Actors Threaten a Strike for SAG-AFTRA if Basic Demands Are Not Met

Hollywood is a living organism that has evolved over the last 100 years. It's a living and breathing entity that's made up of the people who work here. But the cost of living and surviving in Hollywood has skyrocketed. Unfortunately, the wages of people who work here have not kept up with the times. 

That's why Hollywood is at a turning point. Maybe one of the most important points in its history. 

We have the WGA on strike, and now SAG-AFTRA is closing in on what would be a historic strike for them. 

A few days ago, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher dropped a video where she told members, “We are having an [sic] extremely productive negotiations that are laser-focused on all of the crucial issues you told us are most important to you. We’re standing strong and we are going to achieve a seminal deal.”

But this video didn't sit well with lots of members. Or, at least, it felt ominous. They know they're at a crucial juncture, and they feel like bending now is not worth it. With huge issues like AI mapping actors and using their likeness without paying or consent, or residuals from streamings, or pensions and healthcare all on the table, many in the rank and file feel like they should hold strong and strike 

Now, over 300+ actors, including Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, Quinta Brunson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ben Stiller, Neil Patrick Harris, and Amy Poehler have signed a direct letter to SAG. Rolling Stone obtained a copy of the letter, and it has some harsh words for the current state of affairs for actors in Hollywood. 

An excerpt reads, “We do not believe that SAG-AFTRA members can afford to make halfway gains in anticipation that more will be coming in three years, and we think it is absolutely vital that this negotiation protects not just our likenesses, but makes sure we are well compensated when any of our work is used to train AI.”

The letter continues: “We want you to know that we would rather go on strike than compromise on these fundamental points, and we believe that, if we settle for a less than transformative deal, the future of our union and our craft will be undermined, and SAG-AFTRA will enter the next negotiation with drastically reduced leverage."

The actors are asking for a "push for change" for the industry and are open to things being uncomfortable if they have to strike to get it. 

“If you are not able to get all the way there, we ask that you use the power given to you by us, the membership, and join the WGA on the picket lines,” they write. “For our union and its future, this is our moment. We hope that, on our behalf, you will meet that moment and not miss it.”

We hope they don't miss it either. 

Source: Rolling Stone