The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has agreed to extend the 2020 television and theatrical contracts with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) for 12 days. The current arrangement will expire on July 12 instead of June 30.
“The parties will continue to negotiate under a mutually agreed upon media blackout,” a statement from SAG-AFTRA reads. “Under this extension agreement, all terms and conditions of the Codified Basic Agreement and Television Agreement continue in full force and effect until 11:59 p.m. PT on July 12, 2023, including the “no strike” provisions. Accordingly, members should continue to report for work as usual up until further notice.”
The National Board of SAG-AFTRA will hold a meeting to discuss whether the negotiated deal is sufficient on July 13. Should the organization find it to be otherwise, a strike will be implemented.
Fran Drescher of Nanny fame, currently the president of SAG-AFTRA, references the “digital age” and “age of streaming” as major points of contention in negotiations. These technological advancements without regulation risks the livelihood of actors, who rely on residuals, royalties, and more working days to make a living.
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Before the original contract expired, strike authorization was approved by 98% of the union’s members. A strike proposes an imminent disruption to Hollywood, as it will shut down actors working on sets, all auditions, future contracted work, and promotional engagements.
The impact will be even more astounding with the Writers Guild of America also on strike since the beginning of May. The last time Hollywood writers and actors were on strike simultaneously occurred six decades ago in 1960.
